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Creative Writing Prompts for High School Students

Puja Lalwani
Want to make those passive minds active? Here's a list of some creative writing prompts for high school students to get them thinking, and differently.
Any piece of writing finds its base on some kind of inspiration derived from a situation, person, or circumstance. This inspiration becomes a fine piece of writing, and leaves people wondering how one can be so creative. The truth is, everyone is prompted to write something that is creative and original by an occurrence.
It is this prompt that gets the imagination working, leading to the creation of a masterpiece. Whether at elementary or high school or college levels, creative writing stimulates the mind and imagination, and broadens its vision. It is not necessary that a prompt only be used for the purpose of creative writing.
These make students more observant of the events around them, and help them make the choices they do in any aspect of life. Thinking creatively is the basic purpose of any writing. Here, we take a look at some prompts to stimulate those young minds.
With these prompts, not only will you get the kids in your class thinking out of the box, you will also see how their writing skills improve as they continue with such exercises.
What do you think you are good at? Write a piece explaining to others how to develop and imbibe this habit/quality. Write in an instructional manner so that the guide can be followed easily by anyone who reads it.
Write a review of your favorite book and describe what you think is the underlying theme of the book.
Describe the meaning of your name and the significance behind it. Was there any specific reason you were given the name? Do you think this name suits your personality? Would you ever consider changing your name?
What do you think is the purpose of the allowance given by parents to children: financial independence or rewards for completing a chore or good behavior? Explain what you think is the logic behind an allowance and write a persuasive piece on why parents should follow this logic. (This can be used as a persuasive writing prompt.)
Write a letter to yourself 30 years from now. Include what you should have achieved by then, your goals and aspirations, and what you expect to see yourself as in the future.
Write about a situation where you were forced to choose between an emotional decision or a logical decision. Write it as a conversation occurring between your brain and your heart, and what eventually emerged victorious.
Write a story that starts with this line: 'I entered the room and finally found that bottle of cough syrup I was looking for. I rushed to take it, but tripped on a lone shoe lying on the floor...' Continue the story and give it any kind of ending you would like.
(Find an interesting photograph with single or multiple elements - a leaf, a waterfall, an old couple, a pair of shoes, etc. and give it to your students.) What do you think led to such a moment being captured on camera? Describe it in the form of a story with you being the photographer.
Do you think good grades are the only thing that matter in a student? What other qualities do you think a student should have? Describe in detail.
Go to the mall or park and write about any person, object, or situation. Describe how you feel when looking at it from an outsider's point of view.
Ensure that every feeling is described in detail, such as 'The bunch of leaves was a sight for sore eyes, soothing them immensely and exuding a sense of calm in me.'
The motive behind any of these prompts is to ignite a spark which will turn into the flame of creativity. Do not discard the thought process behind any piece of writing. Nothing is right or wrong, and since most of the prompts are based on personal opinion, they may vary. Just be open to any idea, and get those young minds to think out of the box.