Composition Journal Topics
(You can write about these topics in any order you would like. Don’t forget to write the number of the topic at the
top of your outline page!)
Expository
1) There has been a concentrated campaign in your school to curb bullying. While the campaign has
been largely successful within schools, bullying has now reared its ugly head in online communities.
Describe how online bullying is different from real-life bullying, and what steps can be taken to curb
it.
2) What are the qualities of a good leader? What can you learn from the examples of great leaders of
the past?
3) We all get angry at times, but different people react in different ways. Some people show their anger
openly, and some hide it within themselves. Explain and describe what you do when you get mad and
how it affects you.
4) Explain the main reasons why you think students drop out of school.
5) Suppose you have been appointed to a neighborhood improvement committee. You must make
recommendations on ways to make your neighborhood a better place to live. Think about some
changes you would like to make in your neighborhood. Write an essay to inform your reader of
changes you would recommend to improve your neighborhood and why these changes are important.
6) Objects around school can often be important in the lives of students. Think about one object in
school that has influenced you in an important way this year. You may write about something you own
or use on a regular basis (a book, a picture in your locker, or a gym uniform) or an object that you only
interact with occasionally (the big dictionary in the library). The object that you choose should be one
that you could hold: choose a book in the library rather than the whole library, for instance. Write an
essay in which you explain what object around the school that explains how this particular object has
influenced you.
7) Mr. Kelley is considering allowing one student to TOTALLY run the school for a day. Think about
which one of your peers would be best suited for this job. Write an essay explaining why this student
would be the best choice.
8) FREEBIE (Come up with your own expository prompt! Remember, the key to an expository essay is
that it EXPLAINS something. You can provide pros and cons, describe a process, or highlight key
points. Unlike a persuasive essay, you’re not trying to absolutely win someone over to your way of
thinking.)
Persuasive
1. As part of the National Math and Science Initiative, some high schools have opened up their Advanced
Placement courses to all students, and those who score a 3 or higher on the A.P. exam earn a $100
reward, as do their teachers. What do you think of financial incentives to perform well in school? Would
you study harder if there were a cash bonus attached to a good grade? Write an essay in which you argue
for or against your school implementing a cash for grades program.
2. Schools in some cities and states are shortening their school days to save money. How long is your school
day? Do you think it’s too short, too long or just right? Might you learn more if the school day were
extended? What do you tend to do in the afternoons? Write an essay in which you argue to the school
board for either changing the length of school days or keeping them the same.
3. Corporal — physical — punishment of students has a long history, and 20 states still permit its use. What
are the arguments for and against corporal punishment? Should administrators and teachers be allowed to
discipline students physically? Why or why not?
4. The school board is discussing a new way to group students – by level of ability. Strong readers would be
in classes solely with other strong readers. Those weak in math would be in groups with other students
who needed extra help with math. Would this help or hurt students’ performance?
5. Should comments among friends made on Facebook or other social media be considered private? Or
should we expect that anything said on social media might be viewed by the world? And if our boss
doesn’t like what we write online (complaining about work, for example) should it be grounds for getting
fired?
6. With our smartphones and tablets, plus indoor and outdoor security cameras, we are recording just about
everything and everywhere these days. But are these constantly present video cameras taking away our
privacy? Are we filming too much, or do the possible benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
7. Do TV shows like “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” glamorize being a teenage mother or present a
cautionary tale? Do you think they are more likely to promote or discourage teenage pregnancy?
8. FREEBIE (Hear about a local issue that really caught your interest? Read something in a paper that
completely hacked you off? Turn it into a persuasive writing prompt and write about it!)