31 Free High School Writing Prompts for 9th Graders

High School Writing Prompts & Fresh Writing Ideas for Teens— Freshman year of high school is all about new beginnings, new responsibilities, and new challenges.

Preparing for “Real Life” Beyond High School

Now, whether your students are excited or apprehensive about the coming year and their high school experience, one thing is for sure…

High schoolers are at an important crossroads, and the path they choose will have major ramifications on the rest of their lives.

That’s a big realization for most ninth grade students and it’s one that very few of them will be truly prepared to tackle.

Table of Contents

Simple Yet Important Lesson
31 High School Writing Prompts & Ideas for 9th Grade and Beyond
"Favorite Thing" Journal Prompt List for High School Students
A Few Final Thoughts…
Links & Resources

Fortunately…

You can help your students begin to accept the significance of high school by encouraging them to reflect and write about their experiences in a daily journal this school year.

Simple Yet Important Lesson

Regular journal writing is one of the absolute best ways for teenagers to sort through their experiences, learn critical thinking, and begin making better decisions.

As your ninth graders write about topics like privileges and rights, peer pressure, daily life, and their greatest fears, they will start forming brand new opinions and learn how to better convey their thoughts and ideas.

Most importantly…

They’ll also develop the self-confidence and self-assurance they need to begin sharing their opinions with others and contributing to larger cultural discussions.

Use this wonderful list of writing prompts for ninth graders to get your students thinking about and reflecting on some of the biggest issues teens face today!

31 High School Writing Prompts & Ideas for 9th Grade and Beyond

Since you’ve become a teenager, what is the greatest challenge you’ve faced?
What is the most important thing anyone has ever said to you? How did it make you feel?
What career are you best suited for? Write about one or two professions where you would excel.
Write about a historical figure who you believe truly changed the world. Why was this person so significant?
Is it important for students to learn in a physical classroom today or is an online classroom just as good?
Write about an object that you always have with you. Why is this object important?
Write about an experience or event that you always carry with you. Why does this instance stick in your mind?
What is the difference between a privilege and a right? Give examples of each.
What is the greatest compliment you could give someone else? Do many people in your life deserve this type of compliment?
Write about the most individual person you know—and describe what sets him or her apart from other people.
Do you have a curfew? Why or why not?
What do you think of government programs that promote healthy eating and nutrition? Should they be legal, or should the government not get involved in peoples’ diets?
Write about a time when you learned a hard truth about yourself. How did you feel afterward?
What type of weather best represents your personality? Why?
What qualities make someone a good friend?
What new roles and responsibilities do you have now that you’re in high school?
Are you for or against the death penalty? Why?
Write about a time when you succumbed to peer pressure.
Have you ever felt lonely? Write about an experience when you felt like you had trouble relating with other people.
What is your single greatest fear—and why are you afraid of it?
Write a short story or poem in the voice of your favorite author, favorite book, or favorite place.
Write about a time when someone sacrificed something for you.
Do you have a good relationship with your parents (and/or with other family members)? Why or why not?
What are the pros and cons of “social media activism”?
Write about a time when you had feelings for someone who didn’t feel the same way. What did you do? How did you handle the situation?
What is the most influential book you’ve ever read? How did it affect you?
Should companies be allowed to conduct animal testing? Why or why not?
What do you imagine your life will look like in 15 years?
What do you think the legal driving age should be? Write a short essay defending your position.
What is the most important relationship in your life right now? Why is that person so special to you?
Are you planning on going to college? Why or why not? If so, what will you study? If not, what will you do instead?

I hope you enjoyed this list of high school writing prompts.

Now… see this bonus list of high school journal prompts.

“Favorite Thing” Journal Prompt List for High School Students

Perhaps you need some quick journal prompts for your high schoolers. If so, may we suggest the time-tested favorites-themed writing prompts? They are simple to use and wonderfully useful in many ways, including getting those creative juices flowing for those more challenging writing assignments to come.

Ask Your High School Students to Write About Their:

Favorite foods
Favorite place
Favorite book
Favorite toy
Favorite season
Favorite movie or television show
Favorite animal
Favorite pet
Childhood memory
Superpower
Video games
Gift
Recipe
Vacation

You could also invite your writers to turn this list on its head and write about your least favorite instead.

A Few Final Thoughts…

We hope you enjoyed this list of writing prompts. Of course, they may be used with middle school students or students in other grades to encourage writing on a regular basis.

Whether you’re just starting writing, need the inspiration to write more, or want to instill good writing habits in the young people in your life, journal writing prompts can help.

Yes! Daily writing provides time for reflection and pushes creative thinking.

Try our journal prompts to help your students practice and improve their writing skills. Kids of all ages will see their creativity soar when they get into the habit of writing on a regular basis!