expository essay prompt high school

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (150+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer.

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge roundup of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
• Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Expository and Informative Essay Topics
• Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

• Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
• Opinion Essay Topics
• Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Plus, click the button below to get your free printable five-paragraph essay graphic organizers to help your students plan their essays.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Animal testing should be banned.
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Is single-sex education better than co-education?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Should plastic be banned?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 137 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.
• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in cartoons, movies, or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …
• Immigration benefits the United States.

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 125 compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets
• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. X (or choose any other two social media platforms)
• Gas-powered cars vs. electric cars
• High school vs. college
• Volunteering vs. paid work
• Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
• Oldest child and youngest child
• Introverts vs. extroverts

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know and why?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?
• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( You can also get 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?
• How has modern technology changed teaching and learning?
• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?
• What is video game addiction, and how does it affect teens?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.
• Explain why it’s important to eat dessert first.
• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well. ADVERTISEMENT

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .
• Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth .
• What is the role of resilience and hope in The Hate U Give ?
• Analyze the exploration of racism and social injustice in Dear Martin .
• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .
• Explore the use of satire in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy .
• What does Death of a Salesman say about the concept of the American dream?
• Explore the effects of trauma on mental health in The Perks of Being a Wallflower .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• What is your biggest fear?
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.
• Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.
• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

When writing an opinion essay, you don’t need to rely as much on facts or persuasive techniques. You’re simply sharing your thoughts on a topic, as well as your justifications for your beliefs. You may include evidence if you like, but an opinion essay is more personal than persuasive. These topics work well for opinion essays:

• Is technology too isolating?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What is one book that everyone should be required to read?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should physical education be graded?
• The best country in the world is …
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 130 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• What’s the best way to handle constantly rising college education costs?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …
• Should schools have dress codes?
• Is climate change reversible?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Selling tobacco should be banned.

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war, e.g., “What instigated World War II?”
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?
• Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.
• Explore the impact of income inequality on education in this country.
• Conduct an exploration of healthcare in this country, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Explain the importance of participating in government by voting, running for office, campaigning, etc.
• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list and propose a realistic plan to protect it.
• Explain how space exploration has changed our understanding of the universe.
• Explore the effects of sleep deprivation on academic and physical performance.

Get your free printable five-paragraph essay graphic organizers

Get two free printable graphic organizers to help your students write their five-paragraph essays. The first one is a traditional design with sections to plan the topic, opening paragraph, main idea, body paragraphs, and closing paragraph. The second five-paragraph essay graphic organizer has a blueprint theme to help students visualize how the essay-writing process is similar to building a house. Just click the button below to fill out the form on this page and grab the printables.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests , you might also like.

100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

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61 General Expository Essay Topic to Practice Academic Writing

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Expository essays discuss topics by using facts rather than opinions, requiring students to evaluate and investigate while setting forth their arguments clearly and concisely. Teachers often include expository essays as part of assessments , especially in college-level courses, so students can help themselves succeed by practicing writing these types of essays. When teachers are integrating writing throughout the curriculum, students can use expository essays to demonstrate what they've learned in other courses.

Sample Expository Essay Topics From Students

There is no best topic for an expository essay since everyone is inspired by different subjects. Tenth-graders wrote the following general expository essay topics. Students can practice writing these topics or use the list to come up with ideas of their own. The important thing to remember is that these expository essays are based on facts rather than the writer's beliefs or feelings.

• Explain why you admire a particular person.
• Explain why someone you know should be regarded as a leader.
• Explain why parents are sometimes strict.
• If you had to be an animal, which would you be and why?
• Explain why you especially enjoy a particular teacher.
• Explain why some cities have curfews for teens.
• Explain why some students are forced to leave school once they are sixteen.
• Explain how moving from place to place affects teens.
• Explain why getting a driver's license is an important event in the lives of many teenagers.
• Describe the major stressors in teens' lives.
• Explain why you like or don't like working in a team.
• Describe some nonmaterial things that make you happy.
• Explain why some teens commit suicide.
• Explain how music affects your life.
• Explain the impact of different music genres on society.
• Explain why students listen to a particular type of music.
• Explain why some teens skip school.
• Explain the likely consequences of skipping school.
• Describe the likely consequences of doing poorly in school.
• Explain why some teens do drugs.
• Describe the likely consequences of selling drugs.
• Describe the likely consequences of taking drugs.
• Explain why some teens smoke cigarettes or vape.
• Explain the likely consequences of being kicked out of school.
• Explain the likely consequences of skipping classes.
• Explain the likely consequences of siblings constantly fighting.
• Explain why some teens wear makeup.
• Explain the consequences of having alcohol on the school campus.
• Explain the likely consequences of being sexually active without using protection.
• Explain why some teens' parents do not like to be alone with their child's boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Explain the likely consequences of increasing the time between classes from five to 15 minutes.
• Explain why some teens join gangs.
• Explain the difficulties teens have once they are in gangs.
• Explain how life for a teenager changes once they have a baby.
• Describe what you feel a boy should do if he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant.
• Explain why you should or should not laugh at embarrassing moments.
• Describe the effects of marijuana.
• Explain the likely consequences of teens becoming sexually active.
• Explain why it is helpful to organize your materials and activities.
• Explain why your schoolwork is important.
• Describe the ways you help out at home.
• Explain the likely consequences of abolishing capital punishment.
• Explain the consequences of adopting a pass/fail grading system.
• Explain the likely consequences of enforcing an 11:00 p.m. curfew.
• Explain the likely consequences of ending forced busing.
• Explain why some teenagers dislike saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Explain why some schools don't have open lunch policies.
• Explain why some teenagers are materialistic.
• Explain why some teens get jobs.
• Explain the consequences of having a job while in high school.
• Explain the likely consequences of dropping out of school.
• Describe some productive ways students can spend their leisure time.
• Explain why dealing with divorce can be difficult for many teens.
• Explain why teens love their parents even when family situations are difficult.
• Describe the things that bring you the greatest happiness.
• Describe three things you would like to change about the world and explain why you would change them.
• Explain why you prefer living in an apartment (or house).
• Describe the likely consequences of requiring a childbearing license.
• Describe three objects that symbolize your culture and explain why you selected them.
• Explain why you are interested in a particular career.
• Explain the likely consequences of requiring students to wear school uniforms.
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Expository essay topics for high school

by Kim Kautzer | Nov 1, 2017 | High school , Writing & Journal Prompts

Informative essays give teens a chance to thoroughly research, understand, and communicate a topic of interest. Let your high schooler choose one of these expository essay prompts, and encourage them to use their best writing organization skills !

1. The Map to Victory

Skilled military leaders carefully adapt their tactics based on battlefield terrain. Choose one war from history, and discuss the role of physical geography in at least two major battles . How did mountains, valleys, rivers, and deserts affect the strategies and outcomes of this particular war?

2. A Curtain Closes

Each culture passes down unique traditions for celebration or mourning when people pass from this life. Research three distinct cultures, and explain how their   funeral and burial rites are linked to religious beliefs .

3. The Final Frontier

Less than a century ago, space exploration opened our eyes to incredible new possibilities for science, travel, and communication. Write an essay about either the history of manned space flights or the story of the Hubble Space Telescope .

4. Jingle All the Way

The Christmas season brings many songs, activities, and decorations from countries around the world. Write an informative essay about the origin and development of one Christmas tradition , such as Christmas trees, stockings, or advent wreaths.

If you enjoyed these expository essay topics for high school, be sure to check back each week for more Writing Prompt Wednesdays ! Once a month, we feature topics especially suited for teens , such as:

Compare and Contrast Essay Prompts

Persuasive Essay Prompts

 Photo: Fikret Onal , courtesy of  Creative Commons .

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48 Expository Writing Prompts Yet To Be Explored By Students

Know that an expository term derived from “expose” means to explain, describe, or inform the reader rather than persuade or inject personal opinion. 

Learning expository writing is important for every student, whether in elementary school or college. Therefore, it is important to know some unique expository essay prompts that have not been explored yet. Ready to discover? Go on, as we have listed expository writing prompts for any curriculum student. So, without any delay, let’s get started.

Sample Expository Writing Prompts for Students

Below are 45+ expository essay prompts to use in any class across any curriculum. Ranging from elementary expository writing prompts to college students.

Elementary school is the right time to learn expository writing alongside race writing strategy for kids. Here are 12 fun and easy expository writing prompts for elementary students.

• Explain the special traits and qualities of your best friend. What qualities make them unique?
• Describe the appearance and behavior of your favorite teacher. What subject do they teach you, and what are the impacts of the teaching on you?
• Describe your favorite hobby in detail. Tell us how you started it and how it benefits you with an example.
• What is the funniest cartoon show you have ever watched? Explain your favorite character. 
• Explain a holiday event in detail. Describe your activity throughout the vacation and why it is memorable.
• Describe a school event such as a field day, family music night, or 5th-grade promotion. Tell us why it is memorable and what you learned from it. 
• What is your favorite food, and what makes it unique? Explain a step-by-step process to prepare this meal.
• Describe three things you would like to change about the world and explain why you would change them.
• What do you think about your hometown? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Provide some example events that make your town unique.
• Explain a little bank you have made to combine your savings. How much money do you gather, and what do you plan to purchase from it?
• Choose a family member you like the most and describe their personality in detail.
• What is your favorite class subject and why? Describe what you find interesting about it and how it helped you become a confident student in your education.

We have exciting and unique Writing prompts for expository writing for middle school students here. Have a look.

• Write an essay on the importance of reading books and how they enhance students’ learning. Write ten benefits of reading books for students.
• Explain the physical appearance and qualities of your science teacher. Explain why you like their method of teaching and how they leave a lasting impact on you.
• Write an expository essay on your neighbor. Explain how they treat you and help you when you are in need. In exchange, how do you help them when they need you?
• Write an essay on your favorite fruit. Write reasons why you like it and what benefits it provides you.
• Write an essay on your educational smart goals after middle school and explain how you will achieve them.
• Suppose you had access to a time travel machine; which era would you prefer to be in? Also, explain why you made that choice.
• Write an expository essay on music therapy. What benefits does it provide to school students in reducing assignment stress?
• Describe your parents in detail. Also, tell them about the efforts that they make to give you a good life and provide three reasons why you love them.
• Explain your future goals and why you want to achieve them. Describe the steps you will take to achieve your future goals.
• Write an essay on World War II. Explain how you think it should’ve ended.
• Write an essay on your favorite Marvel Superhero. Give reasons why you like them and what their superpowers are.
• Write an essay on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on New York City. Give suggestions on how the US government should stop future attacks.

High school students are more confused about writing an expository essay due to a lack of expository essay writing prompts. Here, we will present some of the best example expository writing prompts for high school students.

• Explain why the world’s population is increasing day by day. Offer solutions to tackle population explosion.
• Write an essay on how Artificial intelligence (AI) is making our lives easy. Choose how we may use this technology to automate our work.
• Writing prompts expository about high school: Write an essay on your high school. Explain what things you need to improve your education experience at the campus.
• What would be the type of book you would write if you could write only one in your lifetime?
• Explain why private schools are expensive. Do private school students learn better than public schools?
• Write an essay on USAID. Explain ten reasons why it’s the best government-funded aid organization in the world.
• Explain in detail about the Fast and Furious franchise. Who’s your favorite character, and why do you like watching this franchise?
• Explain why weed is bad for students’ health. Share your opinion on how we can combat this addiction in high school.
• Write an essay on students’ lack of interest in studying. Choose three main reasons that exacerbate this academic problem.
• Write an essay on teenage pregnancy. Explain the steps that will help solve this issue besides sex education.
• If you had to choose between love, money, and power, which would you choose? Support your answer with logical reasoning.
• Explain the reasons for the rising high school student drop-out rate. Write the short-term and long-term goals that will help the state government overcome this problem.

Expository essay writing in college offers more in-depth explorations than high school expository writing. Here, we offer 12 rare expository writing prompts every college student should know to stay at the top of the grade list.

• What do you think about nuclear weapons? Write an essay on the invention of the first atomic device. Furthermore, it elaborates on how the nuclear bomb shaped World War 1.
• Explain the income gap between men and women in the market. What are the strategies that can fill the income gap between genders?
• Describe the importance of a driver’s license for teenagers with real-life examples. Also, explain the minimum age limit for a driving license.
• What do you think are the major stress elements in college, and what strategies can be implemented to avoid the stress of the student?
• Think of a famous politician you want to meet and explain why you want to meet them. Provide valid reasons.
• Friends are important, but everyone has a different perspective. What are the qualities of a good friend, and how to make new friends in college from your point of view?
• What are the best budget-friendly food items in college, and how to eat healthy on a college student’s budget
• How the United Nations (UN) is helping to end poverty in third world countries. Explain the functions of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Describe the importance of technology in today’s life. Moreover, explain how technology has affected human relationships. 
• If you were allowed to be the world leader for one day, what three things would you change about it? Explain why you think they should be changed.
• Under-age drinking and its consequences in teenagers. Explain why parents and authorities cannot make sufficient progress to stop it.
• Write an essay on capitalism and its salient features. Choose what benefits are more labor-friendly.

That’s all! We have provided expository writing prompts for every course and curriculum. By practicing these core prompts, students not only get engaged in writing but also build their confidence in expressing their ideas effectively. However, if any student needs extra help crafting their essays, the essay writer service provides dedicated assistance and expert advice.

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