25 Opinion Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

Remember when picking chocolate or vanilla ice cream was life’s biggest question?

Well, 5th grade changes the game completely!

Suddenly, it’s not just about the best flavor anymore – kids start having opinions on big stuff like the environment, technology, school, and even friendships.

That’s why it’s super important to help them get those opinions out there by writing about them.

Opinion writing is a huge deal in 5th graders, and to do that, we’ve got some awesome prompts to get kids thinking and writing.

Let’s jump in!

Opinion Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

Reflect on the role of pets in our lives. How do they help us, comfort us, and contribute to our daily routine? Think about whether you believe every family should have a pet. What would be the benefits? What could be the potential drawbacks? Write an essay expressing your opinion on whether every household should have a pet and why.
Homework is a widely debated topic in education. Some people believe it reinforces what was learned in class, while others think it puts unnecessary pressure on students. Considering your own experiences and observations, do you believe homework is beneficial or detrimental? Write a piece explaining your stance on the necessity and value of homework.
Physical Education (PE) is a significant part of the school curriculum. Some students love it for the break it provides from academic learning, while others may not enjoy it as much. Think about the impact of PE on health, mood, and overall wellbeing. Argue for or against making Physical Education a mandatory subject in schools.
In the digital age, kids often spend a lot of time in front of screens, whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or using smartphones. Some argue that too much screen time can be harmful, while others think it can be educational. Express your opinion on whether there should be limitations on children’s screen time and why.
Zoos are places where people can see animals from all around the world. However, there are differing opinions on whether zoos are good for animals. Some people believe they are essential for animal conservation, while others argue that they harm the animals’ quality of life. Write about your viewpoint on the role of zoos in animal conservation.
Every season brings its unique qualities, whether it’s the freshness of spring, the warmth of summer, the colors of fall, or the chill of winter. Each one has its own beauty and activities that can be enjoyed. Write an essay about your favorite season, giving reasons why you think it’s the best time of the year.
Community service is often seen as a way of giving back to the community, helping others, and creating a sense of unity among community members. However, should it be a requirement? Provide your perspective on whether community service should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum and explain your reasoning.
School uniforms have been a part of educational systems for a long time. Supporters argue that they promote equality and discipline, while critics say they suppress individuality. Based on your thoughts and observations, write an essay detailing your opinion on whether school uniforms should be required or not, and give reasons for your viewpoint.

Our planet faces numerous environmental challenges, one of them being waste disposal. Recycling is a method that can reduce waste and conserve resources. However, it requires effort and proper understanding. Write an essay expressing your opinion on the importance of recycling and whether it should be mandatory in every household.
Some educational systems around the world propose extending school days to give students more time to learn. Others argue that longer school days could lead to burnout and reduce the time students have for extracurricular activities. Present your viewpoint on whether extending school hours would be beneficial or detrimental.
With advancements in technology, more classrooms are incorporating digital tools for teaching and learning. Some people believe that using technology in education enhances learning, while others worry about its distractions and disadvantages. Write about your opinion on the integration of technology into the education system.
Traditional schooling often includes long summer breaks, but some believe that a year-round schooling system, with shorter, more frequent breaks, could benefit students. Argue your stance on whether a year-round schooling system would be more beneficial than the current school calendar system.
In our increasingly globalized world, knowing a second language can offer numerous benefits. However, learning a new language can be challenging and time-consuming. Write an opinion piece on whether learning a second language should be compulsory in schools.
Popular culture – including music, movies, and social media trends – heavily influences young people. Some believe this influence can be harmful, while others view it as an expression of creativity and identity. Write about your perspective on the impact of popular culture on young people.
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, the relevance of cursive writing is often debated. Some people argue it helps in cognitive development, while others feel it’s an outdated skill. Present your opinion on whether cursive writing should still be taught in schools.
Space exploration is a fascinating but costly endeavor. Some people believe that exploring space has numerous benefits and could answer fundamental questions about our universe. Others, however, think that the money spent on space exploration could be better used addressing issues on Earth. Write an essay expressing your views on the importance of space exploration.

Standardized tests are often used to measure students’ understanding and knowledge. However, some people argue that these tests do not accurately reflect a student’s full range of abilities or potential. Write an essay detailing your opinion on whether standardized testing is an effective measure of a student’s knowledge and capabilities.
Social media platforms have become a major part of our lives, but they come with both positive and negative implications. While they can be a great tool for connecting with others, there are also concerns about privacy, misinformation, and impact on mental health. Express your opinion on the role of social media in society and its effect on young users.
Climate change is one of the most critical issues facing our planet. Despite this, not all schools teach it as part of their curriculum. Write a piece stating your viewpoint on whether climate change education should be mandatory in all schools and why.
History lessons are a staple in school curriculums, teaching students about past events and civilizations. However, some argue that more focus should be put on modern, practical subjects. Argue for or against the significance of history lessons in today’s educational curriculum.
Numerous studies suggest that early school starting times might not align with the sleep patterns of adolescents, potentially affecting their health and academic performance. Write about your opinion on whether school start times should be pushed back to allow students more sleep.
To combat increasing obesity rates and promote healthy habits, some schools have banned junk food. But others argue that students should be allowed to make their own food choices. Express your viewpoint on whether schools should ban junk food or not.
Competitive sports can provide opportunities for physical fitness, teamwork, and character development. However, they can also be stressful and time-consuming. Write an opinion essay discussing whether the benefits of competitive sports outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Art can encourage creativity and be a form of self-expression, but in many schools, art programs are often the first to be cut due to budget constraints. Write about your perspective on the importance of art in education and whether it should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum.
Celebrities often have a significant influence on their fans, particularly young people. They can inspire, entertain, and sometimes, even lead social change. However, not all celebrity influences are considered positive. Express your viewpoint on the role of celebrities as role models for young people.

In case you want some more amazing prompts, we have this exclusive list for you.