Are you looking for oodles of writing prompts for the month of May? You came to the right place! This extensive list of prompts are divided into categories to help you in your search. They include Narrative, Opinion, Informative, Descriptive, Persuasive, and How-To. If the writing prompt is highlighted, there is a link to a resource with that particular writing prompt. I hope you find some motivating May writing prompts to use with your students! Happy writing to you!
Narrative:
Write a story about a baby bird who is afraid of flying. What does the bird do? How does it feel? Give your story a beginning, middle, and end.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917. He was the 35th President of the United States and the youngest president ever elected. Pretend that you are now the youngest President and write a speech that would inspire the youth to volunteer and help in their local communities.
Imagine that you and your mom switched places and you suddenly became “Mom for a Day.” What would it be like?
Imagine that you could start your own business. Write about what you would sell and who you would want to work with.
Opinion:
What makes someone a hero? Write a paragraph explaining what a hero is and how someone becomes a hero.
May Day is a traditional celebration of Spring in countries around the globe. It is rarely celebrated in the United States. Do you think that Americans should celebrate May Day? Why or why not?
May the 4th Be With You! What is your opinion about Star Wars? Do you love it, not like it, or have no feelings whatsoever. Explain your answer.
Many people across the United States do not know what Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates but still celebrate the day. Why do you think this is so? Do you think that this is okay? Why or why not?
Persuasive:
Mother’s Day is in May. A local radio station is having a contest to find the BEST mom in town. Convince the radio station that your mom is the BEST mom.
There has been a report of an oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean, close to your community. An oil spill in the water can have a huge impact on wildlife. In an essay, convince a local congressman to take action. Be sure to explain how an oil spill can be harmful to the environment and to the wildlife.
Write a letter to your teacher explaining why you need more or less homework towards the end of the school year.
Descriptive:
May 8 is World Red Cross Day. Have you ever volunteered to help in your community? Describe how you helped and how this made you feel.
May 18 is International Museum Day. What if you could run your own museum? Describe what types of things you would put on display.
May 13 is Tulip Day. Which flower do you think is the prettiest? Describe it using all five senses.
Would you rather explore the inside of a volcano or the deep ocean? Write about your exploration and some things that you might find on your trip.
How-to:
It’s National Salad Month. Design a super salad for the salad eating contest and win a $500 prize. What’s the name of your salad? What are the ingredients? How do you make the salad?
Write a list of things that you can do to help your mom and then create a Mother’s Day coupon book for her. Be sure to give your mom instructions on how to cash in her coupons!
The principal has asked that you write and design a student brochure that can be used as a guide for incoming students. Be sure to pass along all of the good advice you have for the new students in an organized guide.
Informative:
The second week of May is National Pet Week. A family wants to buy a new puppy. What are the responsibilities of having a new puppy? What does the family need to know before the puppy comes home?
May 16 is Biographer’s Day. A Biography is a story about the life of a person, usually a famous person. Write a brief biography about a famous person you admire.
It’s National Clean Air Month. Do a little online research and answer these: What can people do to help keep the air clean? What specifically can young people do? Where is the cleanest air found?
I hope you and your student(s) enjoy choosing writing prompts from this list!
