how long is an essay in 6th grade

How to Write a Sixth-Grade Essay

How to Write a Fifth-Grade Essay

Completing an essay for a sixth-grade writing assignment can be accomplished within only a few hours of your time. The five-paragraph format is commonly used in sixth grade. This format contains the introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. By writing an essay correctly during sixth grade, you will be preparing for more in-depth writing in years to come, as you continue your education through high school and even college.

Write an introductory paragraph for your essay, which will include a thesis statement and three to five sentences that support it. A thesis statement will describe the basic point that you are trying to get across in your paper. The remaining sentences should act as an outline for the rest of your paper.

Write out the next three paragraphs, which are the body of the essay paper. Make your strongest claim to support your thesis statement in the first body paragraph. The second should be the next strongest, and the third should be the final part of your argument. Be sure to use strong verbs in the supportive sentences to reinforce the thesis statement, for this is one of the capabilities you will be expected to exhibit in your sixth-grade writing development. Keeping a consistent voice within the body paragraphs, as well as the rest of the essay, is also another ability that sixth-grade teachers are going to be looking for when grading. Correct transitions between the paragraphs will also show your writing skills to your teacher as well. These paragraphs should also be three to five sentences each.

Finish your sixth-grade essay by writing the final paragraph, which is its conclusion. Summarize the statements made in the body paragraphs to reiterate the thesis statement made in the first one. Persuade the reader to see your view on the topic, based on the points made throughout the piece, and indicate that the essay is reaching its succession by making a closing statement.

• Revise a draft of the essay to evaluate the word choices, substituting with vocabulary you have learned during your spelling exercises, before making a final copy that will be turned in to your teacher.
• Comparing and editing drafts before writing the official version is a commonly taught part of the sixth-grade curriculum and will help make for a better final essay overall.
• Sixth-grade students will also have to actively partake in peer reviews, so have another student read your drafts to ensure the essay has a natural flow. Another perspective may bring certain things to your attention that you may not notice on your own.

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Based in Florida, Robert Ceville has been writing electronics-based articles since 2009. He has experience as a professional electronic instrument technician and writes primarily online, focusing on topics in electronics, sound design and herbal alternatives to modern medicine. He is pursuing an Associate of Science in information technology from Florida State College of Jacksonville.

6th grade writing

by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: June 16, 2024

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This year, your sixth grader should learn to use precise language, the right pronouns, and high-quality sources for research. Public presentations are also a nerve-wracking but important skill highlighted this year. Read on to learn the key sixth grade writing skills your child should learn this year.

Introducing argument writing

Developmentally, sixth graders are entering a rebellious phase. Luckily, all this attitude has an academic outlet: argument writing . Your tween will write persuasive essays that promote their bold opinions with organized logic, backed by evidence from carefully researched, respectable sources. ( Wikipedia , The Onion , and National Enquirer won’t qualify, but Wikipedia does often link to sources at the bottom of their entries that may be acceptable.)

Your 11- or 12-year-old will also write formal essays that explain complicated topics with precise information. They’ll start with intriguing introductions, and then present their research in a clear, organized way. They will use quotes, facts, definitions, compare-and-contrast statements, cause-and-effect statements, graphics (e.g., charts, graphs), subject-specific vocabulary, and multimedia. It will all be formatted (e.g., using headings, subheadings, and bullet points), to make their points clear. They’ll end with concluding paragraphs that recap their main points.

“ To put it another way, Mommy, there is compelling evidence that I need another scoop of ice cream. ” This grown-up language sounds amusingly hoity-toity in squeaky voices, but don’t laugh when your child attempts it in daily conversation. Indeed, it is good practice for their writing.

Incredibly, what happened next was..

Storytelling is a fun part of sixth grade writing. This year, kids practice narrative writing in fiction and nonfiction papers. They learn effective ways to select their narrator, characters, setting, dialogue, descriptions, and conclusion. They work to make plot sequences seem natural. To really make their stories sing, kids should use specific details, precise language, and transition vocabulary (think: After nightfall or When she awoke ) that guides readers from one setting or plot point to another. Don’t be surprised if your shy bookworm starts writing a trilogy.

If at first you don’t succeed

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Ernest Hemingway rewrote the last page of one of his novels 39 times. Rewriting and editing both teach kids discipline and determination. They are required to plan before they write, and then plan some more as their draft develops. They’re encouraged to outline before they start writing. They draft and redraft. They will revise certain parts and maybe restructure their entire paper. Then they will edit, possibly rewrite, and re-edit. At every turn, they’re encouraged to try new approaches. This isn’t obsessive redundancy; it helps students practice thinking about what they’re really, truly trying to say and then use their writing skills to convey their thoughts clearly and exactly.

Command of the keyboard

Writing nowadays often means typing . Sixth graders accelerate their hand-eye coordination as they evolve from hunt-and-peck slowness to rat-tat-tat-tat-tatting at a furious pace. The goal is for sixth graders to be able to sit and type three pages in a single sitting. Additionally, kids are taught online interaction and collaboration (e.g., emailing their work to each other, sharing Google docs, and adding suggestions and comments to each other’s work).

My research reveals…

Sixth graders get writing assignments that require research. To answer questions like What famous historical character do you admire? What’s your favorite invention? What endangered species do you worry about the most? , your young detective will read thick reference books and print periodicals at the library and digital data online (yes, often via Google). Students learn to evaluate the credibility of sources . Is National Lampoon as legitimate as Encyclopedia Britannica ? No. Using evidence, they compile information to write reports. They’ll learn to paraphrase what they’ve read, synthesize new thoughts, and use quotations to share information without plagiarizing.

Novel approach

Is Harry Potter more emotionally conflicted than Katniss Everdeen? Sixth graders sharpen their critical thinking skills by doing literary analysis. They’ll analyze poems, stories, historical novels, and nonfiction books. Kids learn to compare and contrast topics and themes. They’ll do this, for example, by discussing the consequences of prejudice in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and in Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad or by explaining how nature directs the plots of The Secret Garden and The Island of the Blue Dolphin . In nonfiction, sixth graders learn to divide an author’s statements into facts supported by evidence versus opinions. For example, was the Great Houdini truly “the world’s greatest magician” or is this an opinion? After all, David Copperfield walked through the Great Wall of China.

Pronouns: not just me-me-me all the time

Grammar isn’t easy, especially for 11- and 12-year-olds. Pronoun usage can be particularly tough. Kids learn about proper pronoun case . What’s that? Subjective case refers to pronouns used as subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they). Objective case indicates pronouns used as objects (me, you, him, her, it, us, they). Possessive case conveys ownership (my, mine, your, yours, his, her, hers, its, our, ours, their, theirs). Using pronouns incorrectly can leave the writer (or speaker) looking unintelligent. For example, Us and her carried apples over to yous big barn is neither proper nor pretty.

Mistakes in pronoun person are common among this age group. To correct this, your child needs to loyally stick with the “person” they started with. No switching from first person (I or me) to second person (you), or vice-versa: When I go to school, you should have your homework done, or When you go to school, a person should have his homework done . (Hint, that second example goes from second person to third person.) Both switches are incorrect and can create confusion.

Pronoun number is also crucial. If the subject indicates a plural quantity, the related possessive pronoun needs the identical number. Here’s an example of this common error: All of the school girls took her umbrella. (It should be their umbrellas) . Vague pronouns are also a no-no. Take the sentence: Alice put a vase with a red rose on the desk, and sold it. What was sold: the vase, the rose, or the desk? We don’t know because it, used here, is too vague.

Sentences, spelling, punctuation

Sixth grade writing raises the bar when it comes to sentence structure. Kids are expected to vary their sentences by alternating the length and structure to keep their writing interesting.

When it comes to spelling, many sixth graders know that spelling rules in English are finicky and have many exceptions. Kids learn to spell odd English words correctly, with silent letters ( island, crumb ) and bizarre combo consonants ( cough, pheasant ). As such, spelling is best learned through practice and, eventually, by memorizing. If your child gets frustrated spelling words like climb or plumbing , let them know that Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie, and a committee of concerned citizens tried to simplify English spelling more than a century ago — sadly, to no avail.

Finally, as their writing becomes more advanced, sixth graders tend to use commas, parentheses, and dashes to set apart phrases and clauses. You can help by reviewing these sentences and making sure the punctuation is placed correctly.

It’s all about presentations

In sixth grade, kids will read their writing aloud to classmates. As they read, they’ll be expected to make eye contact, pronounce their words clearly, and speak loudly enough to be heard by the entire class. They’ll share their arguments, research papers, projects, and literary efforts, which will often be accompanied by visual displays, music, audio, charts, and slides. Your child may be nervous before these presentations, but hopefully your child will be empowered by the experience.

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In This Section

6th grade writing samples, writing in sixth grade.

Sixth Grade Literary Analysis Prompt

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 1

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 2

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 3

Sixth Grade Literary Writing Sample 4

Sixth Grade Argumentative Essay Prompt

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 1

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 2

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 3

Sixth Grade Argumentative Writing Sample 4

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 1

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 2

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 3

Sixth Grade Informative Essay Sample 4

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 1

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 2

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 3

Sixth Grade Narrative Sample 4

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How to Write A 6th Grade Level Essay

Your child has started sixth grade, which may be the start of middle school for them. This is an exciting time for a lot of reasons, but they are also learning how to write much more sophisticated and interesting essays. This is also true for the writing prompts they are seeing. The prompts can be creative, informative, expository, persuasive, or a combination of the categories they’ve seen up until now. They will have to understand what kind of essay to write based on the prompt itself and how to answer it.

Here are examples of writing prompts they may see:

• Write a short story about your favorite fictional character. This prompt can have a narrative or creative response, or both at the same time. The response should make sense for that character, for example, if they are writing about their favorite character that is a regular cat, having that cat fly to the moon wouldn’t be a good response.
• What is the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you? This would be a good prompt for a narrative essay. Your child will have to give a lot of detail relating to what they saw, felt, heard, and did in a logical order. It doesn’t have to be a chronological story; by this point, they may be able to creatively tweak the timing of things to make it more interesting. For example, they may start their story with, “Waking up that morning, I had no idea that my day would end up so strange.” They are writing from the perspective of already experiencing the events, so this is appropriate.
• Write a poem about your grandparents. This is a creative prompt that can be a lot of fun for your child. They should have been introduced to similes, metaphors, and other literary devices and they should use those when they can in their creative responses. Writing a poem gives them a chance to exercise these new skills and allows them to explore more emotions without having to worry about narrative structures.

If your child is struggling with their writing, it may be helpful to enroll them in Reading Genie. The program at Reading Genie is designed to help students not only catch up, but get ahead in their writing skills. They are given fun and engaging prompts that the teachers can help them with, and they get the practice they need.

It can also be helpful for you to do the writing prompts with your child. Even if you both don’t write anything, talking about these kinds of ideas or questions is a great way to help your child get their creative juices flowing, and they can apply those ideas to writing prompts later. It can be a lot of fun, too!

Check out the top-rated writing tutoring program in New Jersey . Held at our New Jersey tutoring centers , our middle school writing program is specifically designed to meet state standards and help prepare students for standardized testing. Learn more about our writing classes in East Brunswick , writing classes in Hillsborough , writing classes in Marlboro , writing classes in South Brunswick , writing classes in Plainsboro , and writing classes in South Plainfield .  

Source: https://www.journalbuddies.com/prompts-by-grade/writing-prompts-middle-school/

Topics: Essay , Writing Skills , paragraph writing , Sixth Grade , Writing Prompt

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How Long is An Essay in 6th Grade?

In this article, we’ll go over how long an essay should be for sixth graders and how to format one.

6th grade is such a fun year. Laughable and hilariously odd. The writing abilities of students vary greatly. Students who are writing at a very elementary level will come to you for assistance with grammar and paragraph structure.

How long should an essay be in sixth grade? The average length of an academic essay in the American educational system is between 300 and 800 words , and they typically begin in middle school. Details on how long an essay should be in sixth grade are provided below. See How Long is An Essay in 7th Grade , and 8th Grade .

Table of Contents

In the sixth grade, an essay should be between 300 and 800 words in length, which is not too challenging.

You can finish writing an essay for your sixth-grade writing assignment in a matter of hours. Common in sixth grade is the five-paragraph essay format. The introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion are all included in this format. By writing an essay well in sixth grade, you will be able to write more in-depth essays later on in high school and even in college.

The thesis statement and three to five supporting sentences should be included in the introduction paragraph of your essay. The fundamental idea that you want to convey in your paper will be summarized in your thesis statement. The sentences that follow should serve as the paper’s outline.

Peculiarities of the 6th-Grade Essay

• Structure. A sixth-grade essay follows the traditional essay format and includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each written piece should have a clear thesis statement or argument in the introduction. It must also express a specific idea and be logically sound.
• Topic. Middle-school students must be able to speak on the broad topics of any chosen academic discipline before tackling more specific issues like the global economy and market or climatic changes. Commonly, students write in English while discussing summer reading or giving their opinions on various topics without conducting additional in-depth research. In order to contribute something worthwhile to research papers for high school and college, it is essential for sixth-grade students to become well-rounded.
• Style. Nobody waives the requirements for structuring and revising essays in sixth grade. On the contrary, they are constantly taught and assessed to help students avoid problems with academic writing in the future. Stay out of your teachers’ business because they are attempting to help you in the future when you will have to write numerous assignments.

The Length of Each Part in an Essay

The Length of Different Kinds of Essays

The Length of Essays in Different Grades

How to Write a Literary Essay in 6th Grade?

It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to complete a literary essay in sixth grade because the process is fairly simple. Students typically use the five-paragraph essay format in middle school, which is comprised of an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Typically, the essay should be one to two pages long.

Write the Introduction Paragraph

A thesis statement outlining the essay’s main idea should be included in the introduction, along with some evidence to back up the thesis. The final phase of the introduction should serve as a bridge into the body paragraphs.

Write the Body Paragraphs of the Essay

The most significant claim you intend to make about the literary work should be made in the first paragraph, and you should provide evidence to back up your claim. The second paragraph ought to include the second strongest argument, and the third paragraph ought to include the third strongest argument, both of which should be followed by details that support them. To provide a seamless transition, the first sentence of each paragraph should build on the conclusion of the previous paragraph.

Write the Conclusion Paragraph

In order to give the reader the impression that the argument is coming to a close, the conclusion should be written in a manner similar to the introduction. It should contain a restatement of the thesis in a new way as well as a succinct summary of the three key points raised in the body sentences. The final sentence should strongly support the thesis statement and signal that the essay is coming to a close.

Conclusion: How Long is An Essay in 6th Grade?

The average length of a 6th-grade essay is 300 to 800 words. When writing the sixth-grade essay, you should adhere to a standard essay structure. When it comes to writing, the purpose determines the style. You should use the proper words and phrases whether you’re describing, persuading, or narrating.

How Many Paragraphs is An Essay in 6th Grade?

The five-paragraph format is commonly used in sixth grade. This structure includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

How Long Should a 6th-Grade Paragraph?

A paragraph for the fifth grade must have a topic sentence, three body/support sentences, and one concluding sentence. 6th graders must have 6 sentences , while 7th and 8th graders must include at least 8 sentences.

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How to Write a Literary Essay in 6th Grade

Writing a literary essay in the sixth grade is a fairly straightforward process that should take only a few hours to complete. In middle school, students traditionally use the five-paragraph essay format, which is organized as follows: an introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. The essay should normally be between one and two pages in length.

Write the introduction paragraph. The introduction should include a thesis statement of the main idea of the essay and should give a few details supporting the thesis. The last sentence of the introduction should provide a transition into the body paragraphs.

Write the body paragraphs of the essay. The first paragraph should contain the most important point that you plan to make about the literary work and should give details to support the claim. The second paragraph should contain the second strongest argument and the third paragraph should contain the third strongest argument, each followed by supporting details. The first sentence of each paragraph should play off the last sentence of the previous paragraph to give a smooth transition.

Write the conclusion paragraph. The conclusion should be written in a similar style to the introduction to give the reader the sense that the argument is concluding. It should include the thesis restated in a different way and a brief summary of the three main points made in the body paragraphs. The last sentence should be persuasive to the main point and should indicate that the essay is coming to an end.

Essay Writing: A complete guide for students and teachers

P LANNING, PARAGRAPHING AND POLISHING: FINE-TUNING THE PERFECT ESSAY

Essay writing is an essential skill for every student. Whether writing a particular academic essay (such as persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or expository) or a timed exam essay, the key to getting good at writing is to write. Creating opportunities for our students to engage in extended writing activities will go a long way to helping them improve their skills as scribes.

But, putting the hours in alone will not be enough to attain the highest levels in essay writing. Practice must be meaningful. Once students have a broad overview of how to structure the various types of essays, they are ready to narrow in on the minor details that will enable them to fine-tune their work as a lean vehicle of their thoughts and ideas.

In this article, we will drill down to some aspects that will assist students in taking their essay writing skills up a notch. Many ideas and activities can be integrated into broader lesson plans based on essay writing. Often, though, they will work effectively in isolation – just as athletes isolate physical movements to drill that are relevant to their sport. When these movements become second nature, they can be repeated naturally in the context of the game or in our case, the writing of the essay.

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Planning an essay

The Boys Scouts’ motto is famously ‘Be Prepared’. It’s a solid motto that can be applied to most aspects of life; essay writing is no different. Given the purpose of an essay is generally to present a logical and reasoned argument, investing time in organising arguments, ideas, and structure would seem to be time well spent.

Given that essays can take a wide range of forms and that we all have our own individual approaches to writing, it stands to reason that there will be no single best approach to the planning stage of essay writing. That said, there are several helpful hints and techniques we can share with our students to help them wrestle their ideas into a writable form. Let’s take a look at a few of the best of these:

BREAK THE QUESTION DOWN: UNDERSTAND YOUR ESSAY TOPIC.

Whether students are tackling an assignment that you have set for them in class or responding to an essay prompt in an exam situation, they should get into the habit of analyzing the nature of the task. To do this, they should unravel the question’s meaning or prompt. Students can practice this in class by responding to various essay titles, questions, and prompts, thereby gaining valuable experience breaking these down.

Have students work in groups to underline and dissect the keywords and phrases and discuss what exactly is being asked of them in the task. Are they being asked to discuss, describe, persuade, or explain? Understanding the exact nature of the task is crucial before going any further in the planning process, never mind the writing process .

BRAINSTORM AND MIND MAP WHAT YOU KNOW:

Once students have understood what the essay task asks them, they should consider what they know about the topic and, often, how they feel about it. When teaching essay writing, we so often emphasize that it is about expressing our opinions on things, but for our younger students what they think about something isn’t always obvious, even to themselves.

Brainstorming and mind-mapping what they know about a topic offers them an opportunity to uncover not just what they already know about a topic, but also gives them a chance to reveal to themselves what they think about the topic. This will help guide them in structuring their research and, later, the essay they will write . When writing an essay in an exam context, this may be the only ‘research’ the student can undertake before the writing, so practicing this will be even more important.

RESEARCH YOUR ESSAY

The previous step above should reveal to students the general direction their research will take. With the ubiquitousness of the internet, gone are the days of students relying on a single well-thumbed encyclopaedia from the school library as their sole authoritative source in their essay. If anything, the real problem for our students today is narrowing down their sources to a manageable number. Students should use the information from the previous step to help here. At this stage, it is important that they:

●      Ensure the research material is directly relevant to the essay task

●      Record in detail the sources of the information that they will use in their essay

●      Engage with the material personally by asking questions and challenging their own biases

●      Identify the key points that will be made in their essay

●      Group ideas, counterarguments, and opinions together

●      Identify the overarching argument they will make in their own essay.

Once these stages have been completed the student is ready to organise their points into a logical order.

WRITING YOUR ESSAY

There are a number of ways for students to organize their points in preparation for writing. They can use graphic organizers , post-it notes, or any number of available writing apps. The important thing for them to consider here is that their points should follow a logical progression. This progression of their argument will be expressed in the form of body paragraphs that will inform the structure of their finished essay.

The number of paragraphs contained in an essay will depend on a number of factors such as word limits, time limits, the complexity of the question etc. Regardless of the essay’s length, students should ensure their essay follows the Rule of Three in that every essay they write contains an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Generally speaking, essay paragraphs will focus on one main idea that is usually expressed in a topic sentence that is followed by a series of supporting sentences that bolster that main idea. The first and final sentences are of the most significance here with the first sentence of a paragraph making the point to the reader and the final sentence of the paragraph making the overall relevance to the essay’s argument crystal clear. 

Though students will most likely be familiar with the broad generic structure of essays, it is worth investing time to ensure they have a clear conception of how each part of the essay works, that is, of the exact nature of the task it performs. Let’s review:

Common Essay Structure

Introduction: Provides the reader with context for the essay. It states the broad argument that the essay will make and informs the reader of the writer’s general perspective and approach to the question.

Body Paragraphs: These are the ‘meat’ of the essay and lay out the argument stated in the introduction point by point with supporting evidence.

Conclusion: Usually, the conclusion will restate the central argument while summarising the essay’s main supporting reasons before linking everything back to the original question.

ESSAY WRITING PARAGRAPH WRITING TIPS

●      Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea

●      Paragraphs should follow a logical sequence; students should group similar ideas together to avoid incoherence

●      Paragraphs should be denoted consistently; students should choose either to indent or skip a line

●      Transition words and phrases such as alternatively , consequently , in contrast should be used to give flow and provide a bridge between paragraphs.

HOW TO EDIT AN ESSAY

Students shouldn’t expect their essays to emerge from the writing process perfectly formed. Except in exam situations and the like, thorough editing is an essential aspect in the writing process. 

Often, students struggle with this aspect of the process the most. After spending hours of effort on planning, research, and writing the first draft, students can be reluctant to go back over the same terrain they have so recently travelled. It is important at this point to give them some helpful guidelines to help them to know what to look out for. The following tips will provide just such help: 

One Piece at a Time: There is a lot to look out for in the editing process and often students overlook aspects as they try to juggle too many balls during the process. One effective strategy to combat this is for students to perform a number of rounds of editing with each focusing on a different aspect. For example, the first round could focus on content, the second round on looking out for word repetition (use a thesaurus to help here), with the third attending to spelling and grammar.

Sum It Up: When reviewing the paragraphs they have written, a good starting point is for students to read each paragraph and attempt to sum up its main point in a single line. If this is not possible, their readers will most likely have difficulty following their train of thought too and the paragraph needs to be overhauled.

Let It Breathe: When possible, encourage students to allow some time for their essay to ‘breathe’ before returning to it for editing purposes. This may require some skilful time management on the part of the student, for example, a student rush-writing the night before the deadline does not lend itself to effective editing. Fresh eyes are one of the sharpest tools in the writer’s toolbox.

Read It Aloud: This time-tested editing method is a great way for students to identify mistakes and typos in their work. We tend to read things more slowly when reading aloud giving us the time to spot errors. Also, when we read silently our minds can often fill in the gaps or gloss over the mistakes that will become apparent when we read out loud.

Phone a Friend: Peer editing is another great way to identify errors that our brains may miss when reading our own work. Encourage students to partner up for a little ‘you scratch my back, I scratch yours’.

Use Tech Tools: We need to ensure our students have the mental tools to edit their own work and for this they will need a good grasp of English grammar and punctuation. However, there are also a wealth of tech tools such as spellcheck and grammar checks that can offer a great once-over option to catch anything students may have missed in earlier editing rounds.

Putting the Jewels on Display: While some struggle to edit, others struggle to let go. There comes a point when it is time for students to release their work to the reader. They must learn to relinquish control after the creation is complete. This will be much easier to achieve if the student feels that they have done everything in their control to ensure their essay is representative of the best of their abilities and if they have followed the advice here, they should be confident they have done so.

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Updated: Jul 11, 2022

My First Years

I remember being a new teacher and having NO CLUE what I was going to be teaching. My first year teaching, I was given a basic curriculum of major writing pieces that had to be accomplished and a basal reader (yuck) for reading. That’s it. So, I leaned on my colleagues for guidance and I am pretty sure they were very annoyed with me! This was pre-Pinterest, pre-Instagram, pre-Teachers Pay Teachers. I consistently asked my colleagues if I could see their lesson plans, borrow their packets, etc. In reflection, I regret doing that. Those teachers worked hard to develop their curriculum and I essentially expected them to hand it to me. In their eyes, they probably felt as if I was taking their hard work and using it, and I don’t blame them for animosity, if they had any. In all honestly, it was simply because I was clueless and had no confidence. (If they are reading this, I am sorry! You guys were amazingly patient with me and I hope you understand it wasn’t because I was lazy; I was learning).

Confidence was something I always struggled with, but I don’t think new teachers SHOULD go in overly confident. I’ve met some new teachers who think they know everything already, and that’s not a good. They need to ask their fellow teachers for guidance, but should not ask them to use their materials. This was a mistake I made, but when make mistakes happen, we learn from them.

Eventually, after that first year, I started gaining more confidence. I moved to new district. It still took me a couple more years to feel like I knew what I was doing. Now, I actually write curriculum for my district. I am solely responsible for what happens in my 6th grade classroom.

I use Reading and Writing Workshop in my classroom . I do not stick to it fully and over time, have added my own twists. I also do a reading unit fully, then a writing unit fully. With 81-minute blocks, I like to really use that time fully to focus on whatever skill we are doing that day.

This is the basic structure of each day:

Each day starts with 15 minutes of independent reading .

Then, I teach the mini-lesson/skill of focus . I use a mentor text and do whatever I expect the kids to do. This typically takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

Usually, students then go off to do the skill with a partner . This is about 10 minutes.

Following partner work, we meet back at the mat for a few minutes to regroup/reteach .

They then go off on their own to do the skill with their books or writing piece .

Lastly, I do some kind of grammar at the end of the block for about 15 minutes . In the past, I’ve done No Red Ink, Moby Max, and mentor sentences. This year, I am doing interactive notebooks from Teacher Thrive .

Where do all the books come from?

Since I do Reading Workshop, students are always reading in REAL books . I have a classroom library, but for book clubs, I require students to get books from the public library or I get a bunch of books on my card. Yes, it’s a bit of a pain in the neck, but it gets my students into book they WANT to read. If it means I have to go out of my way, I will.

I work very closely with public libraries. A month before book clubs start, I give my students a list of books in the genre of study. They then choose what books they want in a Google Form. My lists are usually lengthy and I'm open to letting them choose others. Once I compile all the forms, I try to group students into books they want and do some negotiating. Then, I make a list of groups and the books they are going to read. I send this list to the librarian and she orders all the books for me. She keeps the books behind the desk. Students come in, ask her for the book, check out and walk out. As long as they have a card and can get to the library within a month before the unit, it’s easy. Yes, they have to return them at some point, and yes I get parents pushing back, but they need to learn responsibility. If it’s a true hardship, I just get or return the books for them.

My Pacing Guide

A Deep Study of Character : This is a Lucy Calkins Unit of Study for middle school. This one, I follow pretty closely to the book. I spend time working on inferencing, point-of-view, perspective, empathy, and more.

Students are reading from any fiction book for this.

Click here for my digital character unit.

Narrative Writing in Response to Fiction: This is my first writing unit. I originally did this unit to get kids state test ready because this was how they were supposed to respond narratively on the PARCC. I still like to do it because it gets the kids to think about their reading in a different light.

For about two weeks, we spend time writing continuation stories. They write new stories using story structure that could continue after a short story they read. Think of it as another chapter.

Then, I spend the rest of October doing point-of-view stories. They choose a short story to write from the perspective of another character in the story.

Within this unit, I focus a lot of mini-lessons on narrative writing skills and connecting their stories to originals.

Click here for my digital narrative unit.

Social Issues Book Clubs : This is another Lucy Calkins unit that I follow closely. I give them a list of books under specific issues (Calkins’ unit has an extensive list or I hop onto my Facebook groups). I use the book Faceless as my mentor text.

I focus on similar skills from September, but really get into theme. They also do a lot of collaborative work on the issue their books focus on.

Click here for my digital social issues unit .

December/January

Research, Research Essay, and Informational Book: This is a massive unit! I spend a good three weeks on research skills. This is a mash-up of Lucy Calkins units ( Tapping the Power of Non-Fiction and Research-Based Information Writing: Books, Websites, and Presentations ), but I’ve tweaked this over the years. A month before, I let students decide what topic they want to research. I give them about 5 topics to choose from based on the Calkins’ units. I group them and give them a list of books to choose from to get from the library. Again, they have a month to get the books.

I then spend up to Christmas break on non-fiction skills for research (main idea, text features, summarizing, text structure). Then, when they come back, they write an essay on their topic. Lastly, they spend half of January creating an eBook on the topic with their peers who have the same topic.

Click here for my digital research unit.

January-February:

Dystopian Book Clubs: Yet again, another Lucy Calkins Unit of Study . This unit tends to be geared toward upper middle, but I like to take the plunge with my 6th graders. I mostly focus on setting and power. I use Among the Hidden as my mentor text. It’s a great introduction to dystopian books. I do this for the second half of January and beginning of February.

Click her for my digital dystopian unit.

February-March:

Literary Analysis Essays: After our February break, I have the students write a comparative essay with their book club books, a dystopian short story, and the movie A Truman Show . I focus on theme (how do all sources show a specific theme).

Click her for my digital literary essay unit.

Poetry : My focus is close reading. I’ve gathered a ton of poems into one digital notebook. We work on reading the poems several times and applying typical poetry skills (mostly figurative language). I also focus on song lyrics and let them write some poetry, too.

Click here for my digital poetry unit .

Debate : I spend about two weeks on this. I use Newsela and Commonlit articles to prepare for debates. We spend a week discussing the ins and outs of debates, then a week prepping and performing a debate.

Click here for my digital debate unit .

Test Prep : I do about a week of this. That’s it.

Click here for some of my test prep.

Graphic Novels: I let them choose any graphic novel they want, as long as it’s fantasy. My unit focuses on the complexity of graphic novels (because they’re not as easy as everyone thinks!). I then focus on fantasy components.

Click here for my digital graphic novel unit.

Fantasy Writing: Last unit of the year! Students plan and write fantasy stories! I like to kick this off with showing them the movie Spirited Away to discuss the hero’s journey.

Click here for my digital fantasy writing unit.

Bottom line:

This can be overwhelming, for sure. I wrote this just to give you a snapshot of what one teacher does. The first thing you have to do is see what your district expects. It’s great when they give you freedom, like my district does. Sometimes, you are bound by a curriculum, but if you want to stray a little, this may give you some ideas.

Want an easy to read PDF of all of this? Click here!

If you're interested in all of these units, you can get them in my bundle below!

7th Grade Pacing Guide

I taught a 7th grade section of ELA this year, and this blog post outlines what I did. It is not as detailed, as I am still working out the kinks, but it gives you an idea!

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Composing An Excellent 6th Grade Narrative Essay

The best way to describe a narrative is that it tells a story. They can be made up of anecdotes, personal experience or someone else’s experience. Usually for students of the 6th grade level, the narrative essay is meant to be a personal narrative. The purpose is two-fold: to get the student thinking and to give the student experience in writing papers.

Characteristics of a Narrative Essay

• Tells all parts of a story, giving enough detail for the reader to come to an understanding of the purpose
• Should be written clearly from an obvious point of view
• Should be an expression and creative display of the student’s writing
• The use of first person is accepted

Where to Begin Writing

A 6th grader may need a detailed step-by-step plan to follow in order to accomplish this essay. This will help them stay on track and not forget any of the essential parts. Here is a plan to follow in writing a personal narrative:

• Choose a good topic. This would be based on something from the student’s life. The essay will not only tell the story of what happened, it will also include the student’s analysis of the story.
• Should highlight the writer’s creative skills in story-telling.
• Should be able to help the reader connect in some way, to their own life experiences.
• If given a prompt, the topic must fit the prompt. For example, it may be about a hardship that had to be overcome, or a way your life was changed, or something that made you view life on a different level.
• Make sure the plot is manageable. It shouldn’t be something too long with many separate events involved. It should be narrowed down sufficiently.
• Limit the number of characters or people who are introduced into the paper, so it doesn’t get bogged down with too many people.
• The paper should exhibit vibrant details and yet give just enough room for the reader to use their imagination to fill in some of the gaps.
• Stay as true to the original story as possible. Most personal narrative papers are meant to be non-fiction.
• Make an outline of your school work and then use details and description to fill in each paragraph.
• Briefly describe important characters. Identify antagonists and protagonists if necessary.
• Describe the setting using vivid details.
• Proofread and revise your essay.

“   Every writer, no matter how good he is with his first attempt should proofread his paper.  ” –  Donna Brians

This resource changes all old-fashioned cliches and boring techniques into new and original ways of writing. Like to come here for fresh ideas!

Never thought writing can be so captivating! Thank you for helping me every time I need!

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6th Grade Essay Prompts: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 2, 2023

Categories Writing , Education

As a 6th grader, you are at an exciting stage of academic and personal growth. One of the most important skills you’ll develop during this time is essay writing.

Essay writing is an essential skill that will help you communicate your thoughts and ideas effectively. It will also help you develop critical thinking skills, research skills, and creativity.

Essay writing prompts are a great way to get started with essay writing. They provide you with a topic or idea to write about, which can be helpful if you’re not sure what to write about. There are many different types of writing prompts, including narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository.

Each type of prompt requires a different approach, so it’s important to understand the different types of prompts and how to approach them. With the right guidance and practice, you can become a confident and skilled essay writer.

Key Takeaways

• Writing prompts are an excellent way to improve your essay writing skills.
• There are many different types of writing prompts, each requiring a different approach.
• With practice and guidance, you can become a confident and skilled essay writer.

33 6th Grade Essay Prompts

Here are 33 essay prompts for 6th grade students:

1. Write about a time you tried something new. What did you learn from this experience?

2. Describe your ideal day. Where would you go, what would you do, and who would you be with?

3. Who is someone you admire? Why do you look up to this person?

4. What is your biggest accomplishment so far in life? Why does it make you proud?

5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in school? Explain.

6. What do you want to be when you grow up? What steps will you need to take to achieve this goal?

7. If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

8. What is your favorite book or movie? Describe the plot and explain why you like it.

9. Describe a challenging situation you’ve faced. How did you handle it and what did you learn?

10. What is one thing you would change about your school? Explain why.

11. What is the most amazing place you’ve ever visited? Describe what you saw and did there.

12. What personal qualities make someone a good friend? Describe a friend who has these qualities.

13. Explain three goals you have set for yourself this year. Why are they important to you?

14. If you could give advice to a younger sibling or friend, what would you say? Why?

15. Describe your favorite holiday tradition. Why is it meaningful to you?

16. What is your favorite subject in school? Explain why you enjoy it.

17. Describe your dream vacation. Where would you go and what would you do?

18. What is a cause you care about? Why is it important to you?

19. What challenges do tweens/teens face today? How can they overcome them?

20. What is one thing that makes you special? How does it impact your life?

21. Describe an act of kindness you did for someone. How did it make you and the other person feel?

22. What is your favorite memory with your family or friends? Why was it meaningful?

23. What is your dream job when you grow up? Describe what you would do.

24. What is a time you made a mistake or failed at something? What did you learn?

25. What are you most proud of about yourself? Explain why.

26. What is your favorite thing to do for fun? Describe why you enjoy it.

27. Pick an inspiring quote. Explain what it means and why it inspires you.

28. Describe a time you stood up for someone else. What motivated you to help them?

29. What are some small things people can do to make the world a better place? Give specific examples.

30. What is one goal you have for improving yourself this school year? Why is this goal meaningful to you?

31. Describe the cover of a book that hasn’t been written about your life. What would the title and imagery represent?

32. What makes you laugh? Describe something funny that happened to you recently.

33. What is one thing you are looking forward to in the future? Why does it excite you?

Understanding Essay Writing

If you’re a 6th grader, you’re just starting to learn about essay writing. Essays are a way to express your thoughts and ideas in a structured way. They can be fun to write, but they can also be challenging. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of essay writing to help you get started.

The Three Parts of an Essay

Every essay has three parts: the beginning, the middle, and the end. The beginning is where you introduce your topic and give some background information. The middle is where you present your arguments and evidence. The end is where you summarize your points and give your opinion.

Writing Skills

To write a good essay, you need to have good writing skills. This means you need to be able to write clearly and concisely, use proper grammar and punctuation, and organize your thoughts in a logical way. If you’re not sure where to start, try reading some essays by other writers to get a sense of how they structure their writing.

Essay Writing Process

The process of writing an essay can be broken down into several steps. First, you need to choose a topic. This can be anything from a personal experience to a current event. Once you have your topic, you need to do some research to gather information and evidence to support your arguments.

Then, you need to organize your thoughts into an outline. This will help you stay on track and make sure you cover all of your points. Finally, you can start writing your essay. Remember to start with a strong introduction, use evidence to support your arguments, and end with a clear conclusion.

6th Grade Writing Prompts

If you’re looking for some ideas to get started with your essay, try some of these 6th grade writing prompts:

• What is your greatest aspiration?
• What do you want to be when you grow up? How will you get there?
• What challenges do immigrants in our country face? What unique challenges do they face living in a new country?
• What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life so far?
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you handle it?

Remember, the key to writing a good essay is to stay organized, use evidence to support your arguments, and end with a clear conclusion. With practice, you’ll become a great essay writer in no time!

Types of Writing Prompts

As a 6th grader, you will encounter different types of writing prompts. Understanding the different types of prompts will help you prepare for the challenges ahead and develop your writing skills. Here are some of the most common types of writing prompts:

Narrative Writing Prompts

Narrative writing prompts require you to write a story or describe an event from your life. These prompts may ask you to write about a personal experience, a fictional story, or a historical event. Narrative writing prompts allow you to use your imagination and creativity to develop characters, plot, and setting.

Expository Writing Prompts

Expository writing prompts require you to explain or describe a topic. These prompts may ask you to write about a process, a cause and effect relationship, or a comparison between two things. Expository writing prompts help you develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing prompts allow you to explore your creativity and imagination. These prompts may ask you to write a poem, a short story, or a script for a play. Creative writing exercises help you develop your writing style and voice.

Research Writing Prompts

Research writing prompts require you to conduct research and write an informative essay. These prompts may ask you to write about a historical event, a scientific discovery, or a social issue. Research writing prompts help you develop your research skills and learn how to cite sources.

Reflective Writing Prompts

Reflective writing prompts require you to reflect on a personal experience or a topic. These prompts may ask you to write about your feelings, thoughts, or opinions. Reflective writing prompts help you develop your self-awareness and critical thinking skills.

Procedural Writing Prompts

Procedural writing prompts require you to write instructions for a process. These prompts may ask you to write about how to make something, how to do something, or how to solve a problem. Procedural writing prompts help you develop your organizational and communication skills.

Informational Writing Prompts

Informational writing prompts require you to write an informative essay about a topic. These prompts may ask you to write about a historical event, a scientific discovery, or a social issue. Informational writing prompts help you develop your research and writing skills.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of writing prompts will help you prepare for the challenges ahead and develop your writing skills. By practicing different types of prompts, you will become a more confident and knowledgeable writer.

Developing Writing Skills

In 6th grade, students are expected to have developed basic writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. However, developing these skills is not enough to become a good writer.

To become a creative and critical writer, students need to practice writing regularly and be motivated to do so.

One way to motivate students is by providing them with interesting and thought-provoking writing prompts. These prompts can help students explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas and develop their writing skills.

Additionally, writing prompts can help students develop their critical thinking skills by challenging them to think deeply about a topic and express their thoughts clearly.

To develop writing skills, it is important to practice regularly. Encourage students to write every day, even if it is just a few sentences. You can also assign longer writing assignments, such as essays or research papers, to help students improve their writing skills.

In addition to regular practice, it is important to provide students with feedback on their writing. This feedback should be constructive and focus on areas where the student can improve. Encourage students to revise their writing based on feedback and to ask for help if they are struggling.

Overall, developing writing skills takes time and practice. By providing students with interesting prompts, regular practice, and constructive feedback, you can help them become confident and knowledgeable writers.

Topics for Writing Prompts

When it comes to writing prompts for 6th graders, there are a variety of topics that can inspire creativity and help students develop their writing skills. Here are some ideas for different types of writing prompts that can be used in the classroom.

Personal Experiences

One type of writing prompt that can be effective for 6th graders is a personal experience prompt. These prompts ask students to reflect on their own lives and write about a specific memory or experience. For example, you could ask students to write about their favorite book, a memorable experience they had with their family, or a surprising thing that happened to them.

Imaginative Scenarios

Another type of writing prompt that can be fun and engaging for 6th graders is an imaginative scenario prompt. These prompts ask students to use their imaginations to create a story or situation. For example, you could ask students to write about what their future self might be like, what their dream career would be, or what a new holiday they invent might look like.

Current Events

Writing prompts that are related to current events can help students develop their critical thinking skills and engage with the world around them. For example, you could ask students to write about a social media trend that is popular right now, or to reflect on the civil rights movement and its impact on society.

Historical Events

Finally, writing prompts that focus on historical events can help students develop a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the present. For example, you could ask students to write about a historical figure they admire, or to reflect on a field trip they took to a historic site. You could also ask students to imagine what it would be like to be the oldest person they know, and to write about their life experiences.

Overall, there are many different types of writing prompts that can be used to inspire creativity and help 6th graders develop their writing skills. By using a variety of prompts that focus on personal experiences, imaginative scenarios, current events, and historical events, you can help students explore different topics and find their own unique voice as writers.

Writing Techniques

As a 6th grader, you will be expected to use various writing techniques to create engaging and informative essays. Here are some techniques you can use to make your essays stand out:

When writing an essay, you can use the plot technique to create a storyline that keeps your readers engaged. You can use the plot structure to organize your essay into a beginning, middle, and end. In the beginning, introduce your topic and provide some background information. In the middle, present your arguments and provide supporting evidence. In the end, summarize your arguments and provide a conclusion.

Descriptive

The descriptive technique can help you create vivid images in the minds of your readers. You can use descriptive language to paint a picture of your topic, such as describing the sights, sounds, and smells. This technique can be especially useful when writing about a place or a person.

Compare and Contrast

The compare and contrast technique can help you analyze two or more things and highlight their similarities and differences. This technique can be useful when writing about two different topics, such as two books or two historical events. You can use a table or a bullet point list to compare and contrast the two topics.

The letter technique can be used to write a persuasive essay in the form of a letter. You can address your essay to a specific person or group of people and use persuasive language to convince them of your point of view. This technique can be especially useful when writing about a social issue or a current event.

Story Starters

The story starter technique can help you come up with an interesting and engaging beginning to your essay. You can use a story starter to grab your reader’s attention and create a sense of intrigue. For example, you can start your essay with a question, a quote, or a surprising fact.

Instructions

The instructions technique can be used to write a how-to essay. You can provide step-by-step instructions on how to do something, such as how to make a recipe or how to play a game. This technique can be especially useful when writing about a practical topic.

The resolution technique can be used to provide a satisfying conclusion to your essay. You can use this technique to tie up loose ends and provide closure to your arguments. You can also use this technique to provide a call to action or a final thought.

Storytelling

The storytelling technique can be used to create a narrative essay. You can use this technique to tell a story about a personal experience or a historical event. This technique can be especially useful when writing about a topic that has an emotional or personal connection.

The Role of Research in Writing

Research plays a vital role in writing, especially when it comes to nonfiction and research writing. As a 6th grader, you will be expected to investigate and use credible sources to support your arguments and ideas.

Research helps you to find and understand information, and it allows you to use that information to write a well-informed and thoughtful essay.

When conducting research, it is important to use credible sources. This means using sources that are reliable and trustworthy. Credible sources can include books, articles, and websites that are written by experts in the field. You can also use primary sources, such as interviews or surveys, to gather information.

As you conduct your research, it is important to investigate natural resources. This includes things like water, air, and land, as well as the plants and animals that live in these environments. Understanding natural resources can help you to write about environmental issues, such as pollution, conservation, and climate change.

When writing your essay, make sure to cite your sources properly. This means giving credit to the authors or creators of the sources you used. You can do this by including a bibliography or works cited page at the end of your essay.

In conclusion, research is an essential part of writing. It allows you to gather information, use credible sources, and write a well-informed and thoughtful essay. By investigating natural resources and using credible sources, you can write about important issues and make a meaningful contribution to your field of study.

Importance of Self-Expression in Writing

As a 6th grader, you are at a stage where you are developing your writing skills and learning how to express yourself through words. Self-expression is a crucial aspect of writing because it allows you to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas effectively.

Writing is not just about putting words on paper; it is about conveying your message to your reader in a way that is clear and concise.

One of the best ways to practice self-expression in writing is through personal narrative and reflective writing. Personal narrative is a type of writing that tells a story about a personal experience. It allows you to share your emotions and experiences with your reader, giving them a glimpse into your life.

Reflective writing, on the other hand, is a type of writing that requires you to reflect on a particular topic or experience. It helps you to understand your thoughts and feelings on a deeper level and communicate them effectively.

Journaling is another great way to practice self-expression in writing. It allows you to write freely without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

Journaling is a safe space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It is a great way to explore your emotions and ideas, which can help you to become a better writer.

Self-expression in writing is essential because it allows you to communicate your ideas and thoughts effectively. It also helps you to develop your writing skills and become a better writer.

When you express yourself in writing, you are not only communicating with your reader, but you are also learning more about yourself. Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

In conclusion, self-expression is a fundamental aspect of writing, and it is essential for 6th graders to develop this skill. Personal narrative, reflective writing, and journaling are great ways to practice self-expression in writing. By expressing yourself through writing, you can communicate your thoughts and ideas effectively, develop your writing skills, and learn more about yourself.

Understanding Different Essay Types

As a 6th grader, you will be expected to write different types of essays for your assignments. Understanding the different types of essays will help you choose the best approach for your topic and write a well-structured and effective essay.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays are all about telling a story. They are usually written in the first person and follow a specific structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Narrative essays can be based on personal experiences, fictional stories, or real-life events. They are a great way to practice your storytelling skills and engage your readers.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays are written with the goal of convincing the reader to agree with your opinion or take a specific action. They require a clear thesis statement and strong evidence to support your argument. Persuasive essays are often used in debates, speeches, and editorials. They are a great way to develop your critical thinking and persuasive skills.

Argument Writing

Argument writing is similar to persuasive writing, but it focuses more on presenting a balanced argument with both sides of an issue. It requires research and analysis to present a well-rounded and informed perspective. Argument writing can be used in essays, research papers, and debates.

Essay Topics

The topic of your essay is important because it sets the tone and direction for your writing. When choosing a topic, consider your audience, your interests, and the purpose of your essay. Some popular essay topics for 6th graders include:

• The importance of recycling
• The effects of social media on teenagers
• The benefits of reading
• The impact of video games on children
• The role of technology in education

In conclusion, understanding the different types of essays and choosing the right topic is essential for writing a successful essay. Whether you are telling a story, persuading your reader, or presenting a balanced argument, following a clear structure and providing strong evidence will help you achieve your writing goals.

The Use of Technology in Writing

As a 6th grader, you are growing up in a world where technology is an integral part of your daily life. It is no surprise that technology has also made its way into the classroom, including the writing process. The use of technology in writing can be beneficial in many ways, but it is important to understand how to use it effectively.

The internet is a vast resource for information and research. You can use search engines like Google to find articles, videos, and other sources of information to support your writing. However, it is important to evaluate the credibility of the sources you find. Make sure to check the author, publication date, and any biases that may be present.

Cell phones are also a common tool for writing. Many students use their phones to take notes, write reminders, or even draft essays. However, it is important to avoid distractions like social media or texting while writing. If you find yourself getting distracted, consider using an app or website blocker to help you stay focused.

Video games can also be a source of inspiration for writing prompts. Games often have complex stories and characters that can be used as a starting point for creative writing. However, it is important to remember that video games should not be a substitute for reading and writing.

Social media can also be a useful tool for writing. Many writers use social media to connect with other writers, share their work, and receive feedback. However, it is important to remember that social media can also be a distraction. Make sure to set boundaries and avoid spending too much time on social media while writing.

In conclusion, the use of technology in writing can be beneficial, but it is important to use it effectively. Make sure to evaluate sources, avoid distractions, and set boundaries when using technology to support your writing.

Writing about Favorite Things

One of the best ways to get started with writing is to write about your favorite things. This can be anything from your favorite book to your favorite food, animal, or sport. Writing about things that you love can help you to develop your writing skills and express your thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise way.

When writing about your favorite book, think about what makes it special to you. Is it the characters, the plot, or the setting? What emotions does the book evoke in you? Use descriptive language to bring your favorite book to life on the page.

If you’re writing about your favorite food, describe the taste, texture, and aroma of the dish. What memories or emotions does this food bring up for you? Is it a food that you associate with a particular time or place in your life?

When writing about your favorite animal, consider what draws you to this creature. Is it their appearance, behavior, or habitat? Use sensory language to describe the animal and its surroundings.

If you have a pet, writing about them can be a great way to practice your writing skills. Describe their personality, habits, and quirks. What do you love most about your pet?

Writing about your favorite sport can be a great way to explore your passion for the game. Describe the rules, equipment, and strategies involved in the sport. What do you enjoy most about playing or watching this sport?

No matter what your favorite thing is, writing about it can help you to develop your writing skills and express yourself in a clear and concise way. So grab a pen and paper, and start writing about the things that you love!

The Impact of Reading and Math on Writing

As a 6th grader, you may not realize it yet, but reading and math skills can have a significant impact on your writing abilities. Both reading and math are essential components of writing, and they can help improve your writing skills in various ways.

Reading and Writing

Reading and writing go hand in hand. When you read, you are exposed to different writing styles, sentence structures, and vocabulary. You can learn a lot about how to write clearly and effectively by reading different types of books, articles, and essays.

Reading also helps improve your comprehension skills, which are essential for understanding writing prompts and crafting well-written responses.

As a 6th grader, you should aim to read a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Reading different genres can help you develop a more diverse vocabulary and improve your understanding of different writing styles.

It can also help you identify different literary devices and techniques that you can use in your own writing.

Math and Writing

Math may not seem like it has much to do with writing, but it can actually help improve your writing skills. Math helps develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for analyzing writing prompts and crafting well-reasoned arguments.

Math can also help you develop problem-solving skills, which can come in handy when you encounter difficult writing assignments.

As a 6th grader, you should aim to develop your math skills by practicing regularly. Math can be challenging, but with practice and perseverance, you can improve your skills and develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts. This can help you become a better writer by developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In conclusion, reading and math skills can have a significant impact on your writing abilities. By reading regularly and practicing math, you can improve your comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are all essential for becoming a better writer. As a 6th grader, it’s important to develop these skills early on to set yourself up for success in the future.

Writing about School Life

Writing about your school life can be an excellent way to reflect on your experiences and share your perspective with others. Here are some essay prompts that will help you explore your thoughts and feelings about your middle school experience:

• What is your favorite subject in school? Why do you enjoy it?
• Describe a time when you faced a challenge in school. How did you overcome it?
• What do you think is the most important thing you have learned so far in middle school?
• Write about a teacher who has had a positive impact on your life. What did they do to inspire you?
• Do you think standardized tests accurately measure your knowledge and abilities? Why or why not?
• How do you feel about moving on to high school next year? What are you most excited or nervous about?

When writing about school life, it’s essential to be honest and reflective. Don’t be afraid to share your opinions or experiences, even if they are different from what others might think or feel. Use specific examples and details to support your ideas and make your writing more engaging.

Remember to follow standard essay writing conventions, such as starting with an introduction, including a clear thesis statement, and organizing your ideas logically. Use transitions between paragraphs to help the reader follow your train of thought.

Whether you love or hate school, writing about your experiences can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world. So take some time to reflect on your middle school years and share your thoughts with others through your writing.

Writing about Society and Culture

As a 6th grader, you are at an age where you can start exploring and writing about societal and cultural issues. One topic that you can explore is the concept of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

You can write about the importance of empathy in society and how it can help people understand each other better. You can also explore ways to develop empathy, such as volunteering, reading books, and watching movies that showcase different cultures and perspectives.

Another topic to consider is immigration. You can write about the challenges that immigrants face when they move to a new country. You can explore the reasons why people immigrate, the impact of immigration on society, and the ways in which immigrants contribute to their new communities.

You can also write about the debates surrounding immigration policies and how they affect immigrant families.

When writing about society and culture, it is important to remain neutral and present different perspectives. You can use bullet points or tables to compare and contrast different viewpoints on a particular issue.

This will help you develop a well-rounded understanding of the topic and make your writing more informative.

In conclusion, writing about society and culture can be a great way to explore important issues and develop your writing skills. By exploring topics such as empathy and immigration, you can gain a better understanding of the world around you and become a more informed and empathetic individual.

Writing about Future Aspirations

As a 6th grader, you are at a stage of your life where you are beginning to think about your future aspirations. It’s important to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up, as this can help you set goals and work towards achieving them.

Writing about your future aspirations can be a great way to explore your dreams and goals. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Think about your future self

When writing about your future aspirations, it’s important to think about your future self. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of life do you want to lead? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?

2. Dream career

One of the most common things 6th graders write about when exploring their future aspirations is their dream career. What kind of job do you want to have when you grow up? What kind of work do you want to do? What kind of impact do you want to make in your chosen field?

3. Set specific goals

When writing about your future aspirations, it’s important to set specific goals. What steps do you need to take to achieve your dreams? What kind of education or training do you need? What kind of skills do you need to develop?

4. Be realistic

While it’s important to dream big, it’s also important to be realistic when writing about your future aspirations. Make sure that your goals are achievable and that you have a clear plan for how you will achieve them.

5. Stay positive

Finally, when writing about your future aspirations, it’s important to stay positive. Believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your dreams. Remember that anything is possible if you work hard and stay focused.

Writing about Personal Interests

When it comes to writing about personal interests, the possibilities are endless. You can write about your favorite movie, video game, book, short story, or poem. The key is to choose something that you are passionate about and that you can write about in detail.

To get started, make a list of your favorite movies, video games, books, short stories, or poems. Then, choose one that you want to write about. Next, brainstorm some ideas for your essay.

Think about what you want to say about the movie, video game, book, short story, or poem. What themes or ideas does it explore? What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it?

Once you have some ideas, it’s time to start writing. Begin by introducing the movie, video game, book, short story, or poem. Give some background information and explain why you chose it. Then, dive into your analysis.

Use specific examples from the movie, video game, book, short story, or poem to support your points.

When writing about personal interests, it’s important to be clear and concise. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims. Stick to the facts and use evidence to support your arguments. Use formatting tools like bullet points or tables to organize your ideas and make your essay easier to read.

In conclusion, writing about personal interests is a great way to showcase your passion and creativity. Choose something that you are passionate about and that you can write about in detail. Brainstorm some ideas, be clear and concise, and use evidence to support your arguments.

With these tips, you can write an engaging and informative essay that showcases your writing skills and your love for your favorite movie, video game, book, short story, or poem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative writing prompts for 6th graders.

When it comes to creative writing prompts for 6th graders, the possibilities are endless. You can encourage your students to write about their favorite hobbies, memories, or even their dreams. Some prompts to consider include:

• Write a story about a magical creature that you discover in your backyard.
• Describe your favorite place in the world and why it means so much to you.
• Write a letter to your future self, detailing what you hope to accomplish in the next few years.

How can reading passages be incorporated into 6th grade writing prompts?

Reading passages can be an excellent source of inspiration for 6th grade writing prompts. You can have your students read a short story or article, and then ask them to write a response or analysis. Some prompts to consider include:

• Write a character analysis of the protagonist in the story you just read.
• Summarize the article you just read and provide your opinion on the topic.
• Write a short story inspired by the themes or ideas in the reading passage.

What are some argumentative writing prompts for 6th graders?

Argumentative writing prompts can help 6th graders develop critical thinking skills and learn to express their opinions effectively. Some prompts to consider include:

• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school? Why or why not?
• Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? Why or why not?
• Should junk food be banned from school cafeterias? Why or why not?

What are some fun and engaging writing topics for 6th graders?

To keep 6th graders engaged and interested in writing, it’s important to choose topics that are fun and relevant to their lives. Some prompts to consider include:

• Write a story about a time when you had to overcome a fear.
• Describe your dream vacation and what you would do there.
• Write a letter to your favorite celebrity, telling them why you admire them.

What are some tips for developing a 6th grade writing curriculum?

When developing a 6th grade writing curriculum, it’s important to keep in mind the needs and abilities of your students. Some tips to consider include:

• Incorporate a variety of writing styles, such as creative writing, persuasive writing, and analytical writing.
• Provide frequent opportunities for students to give and receive feedback on their writing.
• Encourage students to write about topics that are meaningful to them.

How can 6th graders be encouraged to write about meaningful topics?

To encourage 6th graders to write about meaningful topics, it’s important to provide them with prompts and assignments that are relevant to their lives. Some strategies to consider include:

• Ask students to write about their own experiences and perspectives.
• Provide prompts that relate to current events or issues that are important to the students.
• Encourage students to explore their own values and beliefs through their writing.

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Essay for Class 6 Children | Essay Topics for Grade 6 Students in English

Not Everyone can frame their thoughts into sentences and write an Essay. Essay Writing is an art and is a great activity for Kids to enhance their overall personality. Check out Essay for Class 6 Students in English and have an idea on various topics that are commonly asked. Read and Practice Essay Writing Topics and bring out the imagination in you and write Essays on your own. 6th Grade Essays provided here are given by subject experts to make you familiar with essays from different categories.

List of English Essays for Students of 6th Std

If you are looking for a one-stop destination where you can find the Most Common Essay Topics for Grade 6 Students then this is the place. Check out the Essay Writing Ideas from different categories and choose as per your requirement. All you need to do is simply click on the respective topic link and avail the Short or Long Essay in it. You can surely improve your vocabulary and writing skills after referring to the Essays for 6th Class Students.

• Tree our Best Friend Essay for Class 6
• How I Spent Winter Vacation for Class 6
• Christmas Essay for Class 6
• Essay on Republic Day for Class 6
• My Self Essay for Class 6
• My School Essay for Class 6
• My Favourite Book Essay for Class 6
• Essay on Health is Wealth for Class 6
• Essay on Importance of Computer for Class 6
• My Family Essay for Class 6
• Essay on Most Memorable Day of My Life for Class 6
• Essay on Punctuality for Class 6
• Essay on Global Warming for Class 6
• Essay on Importance of Reading for Class 6
• Essay on Child Labour for Class 6
• Unity in Diversity Essay for Class 6
• Essay on Indian Festivals for Class 6
• Essay on Save Electricity for Class 6
• Essay on Library for Class 6

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1. Where do I get Good Essay Topics for Class 6?

You can get Good Essay Topics for Class 6 on our page through the quick links.

2. How to Improve Essay Writing?

All you have to do is read to plenty of essay topics out there and bring out the uniqueness in you and frame your thoughts into words and write essays.

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We wish the knowledge shared in Class 6 Essays helped you to express your thoughts. Feel free to use the Comment Box Below and suggest us the topics of your interest. We will look into your suggestions and add them at the earliest. Stay in touch with our site to learn about Essays of Frequently Aksed Topics for School going children.

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

How to Write a Conclusion Paragraph

Conclusion paragraphs can be tricky to write, but a clear conclusion can sum up your main points and leave your reader with a clear sense of what to take away from your overall essay. Creating a strong essay means making sure that you have a clear introduction , several body paragraphs, and knowing how to write a conclusion paragraph. Keep reading closely, and you’ll know how to write a conclusion paragraph.   Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to write a conclusion paragraph, and then check out our library of conclusion worksheets to get plenty of practice in how to write a conclusion paragraph.

Choose Smooth Conclusion Transition Words

Restate Main Points

Another key aspects of how to write a conclusion paragraph is that you signal that you are drawing your essay to a close, so that you can then restate the main points of your essay. Depending on the length of your essay, this may be done in a single sentence, or it may require a few sentences. Be concise and clear; you should be able to summarize each main point in a simple phrase that avoids restating each detail and piece of evidence related to the point. Simply list off the points as a reminder to your audience about what they’ve just read.

Restate Your Argument

Finally, if you’re writing an argumentative essay, a key component of how to write a conclusion paragraph is that you’ll want to clearly restate your main argument in order to leave readers with one final appeal. If you have provided enough evidence along the way, this restatement should make readers feel as if you’ve persuaded them fully.

Call to Action

For some expository and argumentative essays, a key part of how to write a conclusion paragraph involves a call to action as your last sentence. For example, if you’re writing an informative essay about the sea creatures that live in the very deepest parts of the ocean, you may close with a sentence like this: “It’s clear that today’s scientists should continue to observe and document these mysterious creatures, so we may all learn more about life at the bottom of the ocean.” A call to action like this can make your reader feel inspired and informed after reading your essay.

What to Avoid with Conclusion Transitions

When determining how to write a conclusion paragraph, you want to keep it simple. Use a clear transition word or phrase, restate your main points and argument, and possibly finish with a call to action. Be sure to avoid the following missteps:

• New Information . Your conclusion is not the place to introduce anything new. Simply restate and summarize the main points clearly.
• Personal Opinion . Unless you are writing an opinion piece that includes several “I” statements throughout, avoid ending your essay with a sudden “I think…” or “I feel…” If you haven’t been including your personal opinion throughout the essay, then you shouldn’t insert your opinion into the conclusion.
• Lots of Details . When you restate your main points, don’t worry about restating all the small details that make up your description or evidence. The place for details is in your body paragraphs. The conclusion is simply for summary and a possible call for action or next steps.

Check out our printable conclusion paragraph worksheets too!

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How Long Should My Academic Essay Be?

When you're given an academic essay assignment, it's easy to feel overwhelmed—especially if English is your second language or you have limited experience with academic writing. Academic essays can range from a few paragraphs to book-length dissertations, so the scope of expectations varies widely based on the school you're attending, the class you're taking, the departmental expectations, and (most especially) the professor giving you the assignment.

However, if you're new to academic essay writing and are stressing over the length it should be, keep in mind that in most situations, your questions will be answered by your professor or the admissions committee assigning you the essay in the first place. When an assignment is given, some professors are very specific on their expectations, including what they expect the word count to be.

For most assignments, you'll likely be given guidelines based on word count (for example, 1,000 to 1,200 words) or page count (3 to 5 pages, double-spaced). You might also be given guidelines on the citation format to use, how many sources you should have, and even the publication date range of those sources. Some professors like to be extremely specific on their expectations for each academic essay assignment, while others might be more lenient and less structured in their guidelines. And of course, these guidelines will vary based on the type of academic essay and its purpose.

General guidelines for essay length

Middle school.

Academic essay assignments typically start in middle school in the American education system and fall within the range of 300 to 800 words. In these grades, you'll be learning the basic 5-paragraph essay structure, which includes an introduction, a thesis statement, the body, and a conclusion. In the typical 5-paragraph essay format, the first paragraph should be the introduction, the second through fourth paragraphs should be the body of the essay, and the fifth paragraph should be the conclusion. In very rare instances would your introduction or conclusion take up more than one paragraph for these types of essays.

High school

In high school, you'll still likely need to write a 5-paragraph essay, although some teachers (especially English and Language Arts) will start to require longer essays (3 to 5 pages). This is to prepare you for the rigor of academic writing that you'll be fine-tuning in college. In these essays, you will still have the basic format of introduction, body and conclusion; however, you'll expand the body to more thoroughly explore or explain a topic. The conclusion of your 3 to 5-page essay will likely still fall within one paragraph, although the introduction might be more than one, depending on the topic.

University (Undergraduate level)

Once you get admitted into an undergraduate program, the length of your academic essay assignments will vary significantly, depending on the classes you take and the departments you take them in. You'll also encounter classes that require academic essays of varying length as the semester progresses, with a longer essay due as the final assignment for a greater percentage of the class grade. In most cases, these longer academic writing assignments will be structured in such a way in that parts of the essay assignment must be turned in at different times, with all sections being put together as a final paper.

For example, in an advanced-level English class, your professor might assign multiple shorter essays of 5 to 7 pages (or 1,500 to 2,100 words) and one final essay that explores a topic in more depth at 8 to 10 pages (or 2,400 to 3,000 words). Another class, such as a core curriculum survey course, might require fewer essays or more journal prompt-type writing assignments.

University (Graduate level)

Much the same as the undergraduate level of college, graduate-level academic writing assignments will vary based on several factors, such as the professor, the course, the department, and the program of study. One university program might require extensive writing while another might be more lab-based or hands-on experience.

Graduate level is also where you're likely to first encounter "thesis" and "dissertation" academic writing assignments, which can go up to 100,000 words or more. These types of assignments obviously require extensive planning, research, and writing time, but you'll likely be given very specific word count and citation requirements when being assigned the paper to write.

Graduate level writing is significantly more involved than the 5-paragraph essay format and contains elements such as sections related to a review of literature, background of the topic/theoretical framework, methodology of research, and your specific findings. These separate sections might have their own word count limits and requirements, with some requiring significantly more time and writing than others. As with some undergraduate assignments, you might be asked to submit these academic writing assignments in stages or sections, including a proposal, a list of your sources, etc.

Beyond word and page count

Even if you stay within a certain word or page count that is required for an academic writing assignment, you could still receive a poor grade for not using that count wisely. For example, it's possible to write a 3 to 5-paragraph paper that is disorganized and illogical, in the same sense that an 8-page essay might have the same faults.

Here are some important guidelines to follow when writing an academic essay, regardless of the word count required:

• Always carefully outline before you begin writing. An outline will help you cover everything that should be covered and ensure that you've included all of the required parts of the essay (introduction, thesis statement, etc.)
• Never allow your academic essay writing style to appear rambling, off-topic, or full of "filler" words. While the topic you're writing about might be new to you, your professor will likely know it extensively and will be able to tell if you're writing just to fill space.
• Do your best to avoid hedging. Hedging is when you essentially dance around a topic with vague statements but never have an actual stance on it. In most forms of academic writing, you're expected to make a clear assumption or thesis statement and then back up your claim with solid research and/or data.

So, can I go over or under word count?

Ultimately, it will always be in your best interest to stay within word count requirements given to you on assignments. Word count or page count limits are given to you for a reason—your professor knows exactly how in-depth you can explore a topic or topics given that word count restriction. If you find that you are significantly under word count when you've completed your writing assignment, it's likely that you haven't explored the topic to the depth expected of you by your instructor. A poor or failing grade might be the result, as it will be clear to your professor that you either didn't understand the topic or didn't take the time needed to research it correctly.

Some professors will allow word count that is over suggested limits a lot more readily than word count that is under them. However, keep in mind that if you have gone significantly over word count in your academic essay assignment, it's always a good idea to ask your teacher if this is acceptable. He or she might have such a heavy student and research load that they are simply unable to read hundreds of essays that are over the suggested word count limit, and might be forced to stop reading once you've reached it. This means that important parts of your writing will not be read and could affect your teacher's grade choice for the assignments.

This is also true for college admissions essay assignments. Admissions committees might be reading the essays of thousands of applicants and need those writers to stay within word count restrictions for the sake of time and logistics. Allowing one applicant to write extensively more could also put that applicant at an unfair advantage, so word count restrictions should always be followed. For a more in-depth look at what you should and shouldn't do on your college admissions essay, check out this article on writing a college admissions essay that stands out from the crowd .

Persuasion Map

About this printout

Use this graphic organizer to develop a persuasive stance for an essay, speech, poster, or any type of assignment that incorporates persuasion.

Teaching with this printout

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Examples of persuasion surround our lives, and the ability to persuade others is a powerful asset. We can persuade people to act in our favor, help them to see our point of view, and sway their opinion to that of our own. The power of persuasion is far reaching, and it is a technique that students will use throughout their lives. This tool helps students formulate ideas for a persuasive argument by helping them determine their goal or thesis, identify three reasons to support it (with three facts or examples to support each reason), and restate the thesis in a conclusion statement. Before your students use this tool independently, model its use for them. Choose a simple topic (such as, “Sixth Grade is the Best Grade” or “Why Our Lunch Period Should be Longer”). Then, fill in the Persuasion Map while discussing the process  aloud, displaying the tool so that all students can see it. Review students’ completed maps prior to having them continue with the persuasion assignment. This will provide you with an opportunity to check students’ understanding of persuasion and help those who need extra instruction.

• Have students analyze a persuasive piece (for example, an advertisement or editorial in a newspaper or magazine) by filling in the map and discussing the authors’ strategies of persuasion.
• Encourage older students to create propaganda-based assignments by having them incorporate deceptive language in some of the “reasons” or “examples” on their maps. (Propaganda is a form of persuasion that uses deceptive language to exaggerate, distort, or conceal information.) Upon completion, have students read their maps orally and/or display them for their peers. Have students identify the deceptive language in their peers’ maps to create a class list of the examples used. As an additional follow-up, students can view and read advertisements, newspaper editorials, and other text that contain propaganda to search for use of the examples on the class list and to add additional ones.
• Have students complete two maps based on the same goal but with two different targeted audiences in mind. Attention to audience is an essential element of effective persuasion. For example, students might create maps to market a particular children’s toy; one map could target children as the audience, and the other could focus on parents as the audience. After they have completed their maps, have students read them to the class without identifying the intended audience. Ask the rest of the class to determine the intended audience and identify the specific clues that prompted their deductions. Finally, as a class, compare and contrast the language and words used for each intended audience.
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Through a classroom game and resource handouts, students learn about the techniques used in persuasive oral arguments and apply them to independent persuasive writing activities.

The Persuasion Map is an interactive graphic organizer that enables students to map out their arguments for a persuasive essay or debate.

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What are the six different essay lengths?

This is the second of three chapters about Essays . To complete this reader, read each chapter carefully and then unlock and complete our materials to check your understanding.   

– Discuss why essays might vary in length

– Outline the six major lengths of academic essay

– Provide defining features for each essay length

Chapter 1: What is an academic essay?

Chapter 2: What are the six different essay lengths?

Chapter 3: What are the seven different types of academic essay?

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The length of essay you’re assigned will likely depend on where you are exactly in your academic course. Generally, assignments at the start of a bachelor’s degree will be shorter than those required in a student’s final years, just like master’s  and doctoral-level essays will continue to increase in both length and difficulty.

1. The One-Paragraph Essay

Generally about 150 to 250 words in length, the one-paragraph essay may be assigned by academic tutors simply in order to practise the basic concepts of paragraph writing, or it may also be used for specific purposes such as to practise summarising an article that’s been read in class or to write an extended definition of a concept. Additionally, one-paragraph essays may also be used as a diagnostic to quickly determine the level of a student’s writing. Unlike other essay lengths, for the one-paragraph essay, you’ll need to include at least some introductory, body and conclusive elements within the same paragraph.    

2. The Three-Paragraph Essay

Usually around 500 words in length, the three-paragraph essay is generally used to introduce students to the concept that all essays should maintain an introduction , body section and conclusion if the writer wishes to produce cohesive and a logical writing. The introduction and conclusion will be the first and last paragraphs and tend to be a little shorter in length, while the central body paragraph will contain the essay’s content or argument. A simple table explaining the balance of content in a three-paragraph essay has been provided below:

3. The Five-Paragraph Essay

Around 1,000 words in length, the five-paragraph essay is generally set by tutors who are content that their students understand the introduction-body-conclusion essay  structure and wish to allow more freedom to expand the ideas and arguments presented by the writer in the body section of the essay. This length of essay still only dedicates one paragraph to the introduction and conclusion , but allows three paragraphs to be dedicated to the exploration of the theme in the essay’s body. At this length, certain essay types such as cause and effect essays or compare and contrast essays may now be utilised. The following is a simple diagram of the balance of paragraph lengths in a five-paragraph essay.

4. The Extended Essay

The extended essay is the most common type of essay that’s assigned during a bachelor’s or master’s degree , and it may be of any length – although it’s unusual for such essays to be above 5,000 words. The most common lengths for an extended essay are 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 words, with a word count allowance of plus or minus 10%. Such essay types will most certainly require research and referencing skills , and may also begin to follow more complex structures such as are found in dissertations and theses rather than simply following the introduction-body-conclusion structure of shorter essays.

5. The Dissertation

Generally assigned as the final project for both bachelor’s   and master’s degree , the typical length of an academic dissertation is 10,000 or 15,000 words. Unlike shorter essay types , dissertations have more complex structures and are almost always based around primary research (original research that the writer has conducted themselves). The following table demonstrates some of the key parts of a dissertation as well as the rough word count  percentages for each section:

6. The Thesis

Finally, the thesis is the longest academic essay type and the one that’s reserved for doctorate students studying PhDs. Generally between 40,000 and 60,000 words in length, the doctorate thesis may contain all the elements of a dissertation but in much more detail and with more careful investigation. Such essays  are almost certainly original and are based on primary research , with a larger focus on the accuracy of the literature review , data collection and data analysis . Many students will never encounter this essay type. 

Once you can recognise which essay length you’ve been assigned, the next question covered in Chapter 3 is about determining the type of essay you have to write. This is because each essay type will require particular styles, structures, foci and language.

To reference this reader:

Academic Marker (2022) Essays . Available at: https://academicmarker.com/academic-guidance/assignments/essays/ (Accessed: Date Month Year).

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• How to write an expository essay

How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples

Published on July 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

“Expository” means “intended to explain or describe something.” An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a particular topic, process, or set of ideas. It doesn’t set out to prove a point, just to give a balanced view of its subject matter.

Expository essays are usually short assignments intended to test your composition skills or your understanding of a subject. They tend to involve less research and original arguments than argumentative essays .

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Table of contents

When should you write an expository essay, how to approach an expository essay, introducing your essay, writing the body paragraphs, concluding your essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about expository essays.

In school and university, you might have to write expository essays as in-class exercises, exam questions, or coursework assignments.

Sometimes it won’t be directly stated that the assignment is an expository essay, but there are certain keywords that imply expository writing is required. Consider the prompts below.

The word “explain” here is the clue: An essay responding to this prompt should provide an explanation of this historical process—not necessarily an original argument about it.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to define a particular term or concept. This means more than just copying down the dictionary definition; you’ll be expected to explore different ideas surrounding the term, as this prompt emphasizes.

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An expository essay should take an objective approach: It isn’t about your personal opinions or experiences. Instead, your goal is to provide an informative and balanced explanation of your topic. Avoid using the first or second person (“I” or “you”).

The structure of your expository essay will vary according to the scope of your assignment and the demands of your topic. It’s worthwhile to plan out your structure before you start, using an essay outline .

A common structure for a short expository essay consists of five paragraphs: An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Like all essays, an expository essay begins with an introduction . This serves to hook the reader’s interest, briefly introduce your topic, and provide a thesis statement summarizing what you’re going to say about it.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

The body of your essay is where you cover your topic in depth. It often consists of three paragraphs, but may be more for a longer essay. This is where you present the details of the process, idea or topic you’re explaining.

It’s important to make sure each paragraph covers its own clearly defined topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Different topics (all related to the overall subject matter of the essay) should be presented in a logical order, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Hover over different parts of the example paragraph below to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

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The conclusion of an expository essay serves to summarize the topic under discussion. It should not present any new information or evidence, but should instead focus on reinforcing the points made so far. Essentially, your conclusion is there to round off the essay in an engaging way.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a conclusion works.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

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An expository essay is a broad form that varies in length according to the scope of the assignment.

Expository essays are often assigned as a writing exercise or as part of an exam, in which case a five-paragraph essay of around 800 words may be appropriate.

You’ll usually be given guidelines regarding length; if you’re not sure, ask.

An expository essay is a common assignment in high-school and university composition classes. It might be assigned as coursework, in class, or as part of an exam.

Sometimes you might not be told explicitly to write an expository essay. Look out for prompts containing keywords like “explain” and “define.” An expository essay is usually the right response to these prompts.

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Expository Essay | Structure, Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/expository-essay/

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