50 Creative Writing Prompts for Secondary ELA

Creative writing prompts are a great way to get students’ imaginations flowing and to help them develop their writing skills. These prompts can take many forms, from simple prompts that ask students to describe a character or setting, to more complex prompts that challenge students to explore a particular theme or idea.

You can use these prompts in your classroom in a number of ways. They can be used for micro writing assignments; this would be perfect for a bell ringer. They can also be used for collaborative writing, or even for a complete writing assignment.

Here are 50 creative writing prompts for secondary ELA:

1. Write a short story about a character who discovers a hidden room in their house.
2. Write a poem about the changing of the seasons.
3. Write a journal entry from the perspective of a tree.
4. Write a story about a character who travels to a faraway land.
5. Write a poem about a particular emotion (e.g. love, anger, fear)
6. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character who is stuck in a time loop.
7. Write a story about a character who discovers a secret about their family.
8. Write a poem about the beauty of nature.
9. Write a story about a character who has a magical ability.
10. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character who is traveling through space.
11. Write a story about a character who is forced to confront their greatest fear.
12. Write a poem about friendship.
13. Write a story about a character who finds a mysterious object.
14. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character who is lost in a forest.
15. Write a story about a character who has to make a difficult decision.
16. Write a poem about the ocean.
17. Write a story about a character who discovers a hidden talent.
18. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character who is living in a post-apocalyptic world.
19. Write a story about a character who is transported to another dimension.
20. Write a poem about the power of words.
21. Write a story about a character who has to solve a mystery.
22. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character who is stuck in a dream.
23. Write a story about a character who has to confront their inner demons.
24. Write a poem about the passage of time.
25. Write a story about a character who has to make a difficult choice between two paths.
26. Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character who is living in a future society.
27. Write a story about a character who has to overcome a great obstacle.
28. Write a story about a character who discovers a hidden talent.
29. Write a poem about your favorite season.
30. Write a story about a character who must choose between two paths.
31. Write a poem about a significant moment in your life.
32. Write a story about a character who is dealing with a major change.
33. Write a poem about your hometown.
34. Write a story about a character who is trying to overcome a fear.
35. Write a story about a character who has a special relationship with an animal.
36. Write a poem about your favorite memory.
37. Write a story about a character who is trying to solve a mystery.
38. Write a poem about your favorite person.
39. Write a story about a character who has to make a difficult decision.
40. Write a poem about a dream you had.
41. Write a story about a character who has to face their worst nightmare.
42. Write a poem about your favorite time of day.
43. Write a story about a character who has to make a choice between two people they love.
44. Write a poem about your favorite hobby.
45. Write a story about a character who discovers a secret about themselves.
46. Write a poem about your favorite food.
47. Write a story about a character who must save someone they care about.
48. Write a story about a character who must travel to a new and unfamiliar place.
49. Write a story about a character who must confront their past.
50. Write a story about a character who discovers a hidden talent.