What is a writing prompt?

A writing prompt is a question and/or set of instructions that you receive from an instructor about something you’re supposed to write, such as an in-class writing assignment or an essay.

Here are examples of writing prompts for students:

In-class writing assignment: Describe a time when you were so focused on what you were doing that you lost track of time.
Essay writing prompt: What is the ideal age for a first smartphone? Write a 1000-word argument essay that defends your position. Defend your argument with at least three reasons and evidence from credible sources.

When you need help understanding a writing prompt, QuillBot’s free AI Chat can help you troubleshoot the type of content or structure the prompt might be asking for.

Creative writing: Other interesting questions

Which words does third-person point of view use?: A third-person point of view refers to characters by name or using pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and sometimes “him” or “her.” Unlike first-person narration (“I” or “we”), the narrator is external to the story, describing events and character actions from an outside perspective.

If you have more questions about using third-person point of view in your writing, you can explore QuillBot’s AI Chat to get guidance, examples, and tips tailored to your text.
What is an example of a sonnet?: The poem “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth is an example of a sonnet. It follows the Petrarchan sonnet form and consists of an octave and a sestet with an ABBA ABBA CDCDCD rhyme scheme. In the first eight lines (the octave), the poet laments about humanity’s disconnection from nature due to materialism. The final six lines (the sestet) present his “solution”: he’d rather believe in pagan gods and feel closer to nature than experience this spiritual alienation.

If you’re working on a sonnet and want to fine-tune your phrasing while keeping your original meaning, QuillBot’s Paraphraser is the perfect tool to help you express yourself with precision.
What are the three rules of sonnet?: The three key rules of a sonnet are:

Fourteen lines: A sonnet always has exactly 14 lines

Specific rhyme scheme: It must follow an established rhyme pattern, such as ABAB CDCD EFEF GG (Shakespearean/English) or ABBA ABBA CDECDE/CDCDCD (Petrarchan/Italian).

Iambic Pentameter: Each line typically has ten syllables with an unstressed-stressed pattern.

Modern sonnets sometimes vary from these traditional conventions while maintaining the essential sonnet structure. Need help brainstorming or perfecting your poem? Use QuillBot’s AI Chat to get tips, feedback, or even inspiration tailored to your writing goals.
How do I become a content writer?: In many ways, it’s never been easier to become a content writer. All you need is access to the internet and somewhere to publish. Now, of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll make any money for that.

Keeping a personal blog is, however, a good way of building up a body of work so that if you apply for jobs as a content writer, you have a portfolio of work.

Other steps you can take are to put in bids on Fiverr, keep a LinkedIn profile, and offer to produce content for charities, schools, and other good causes.
What is a frame narration?: A frame narration is often called a “story within a story.” In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the narrator gives some introductory descriptions, but then almost the entire novella is his retelling of the tale that Marlow tells his listeners.

A frame narration is a useful technique for putting distance between the author and their reader, as it is more clear that the author and narrator are not the same person.

If you’re not sure about this or any other literary technique, you can always ask QuillBot’s free AI Chat for a quick and clear answer.
What are some examples of an unreliable narrator?: There are many examples of unreliable narrators in literature. Some famous works that use this technique are:

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Heart of Darknesss by Joseph Conrad

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum by Heinrich Böll

If you’re not sure whether the text you’re reading is an example of an unreliable narrator, just ask the free QuillBot AI Chat.
What is a dialogue?: A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people in a book, play, or film. In prose, lines of dialogue are typically enclosed in quotation marks and followed by a dialogue tag (e.g., “he said”).

Writers use dialogue to create believable characters or to advance the plot by providing background information about the story.

QuillBot’s AI dialogue generator can help you experiment with character voices, making it easier to create natural-sounding conversations.
What are dialogue tags?: Dialogue tags are small phrases indicating who is speaking, such as “she said” or “he replied.” Writers often use more descriptive dialogue tags to convey emotion or tone of voice. For example, “she screamed” or “he growled.” These tags can appear either before, after, or in the middle of a line of dialogue. Depending on their position different punctuation and capitalization rules apply. In short, dialogue tags are essential not only for clarifying who is speaking, but also for showing how characters interact.

To make sure your punctuation and capitalization are spot-on, you can run your text through QuillBot’s Grammar Checker before you hit publish.
What are some tone and mood words in literature?: Tone and mood words capture the narrator’s attitude and the story’s emotional effect.

Examples of tone words include: lofty, melodramatic, ironic, irreverent, melancholic, sarcastic, and optimistic.
Examples of mood words are: hopeful, suspenseful, whimsical, eerie, uplifting, foreboding, and tragic.

Curious for more options? Ask QuillBot’s AI Chat to suggest additional tone and mood words used in literature.
Is mood a synonym for atmosphere in literature?: Mood and atmosphere are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two:

Atmosphere is the overall sensation a story creates for the reader, such as a tense, chaotic, or mysterious environment.

Mood is the emotion the reader actually feels, like anxiety, excitement, or curiosity.

For instance, a story might present a stormy, threatening setting (atmosphere), but it could make the reader feel awe or anticipation (mood). While similar techniques shape both, the difference lies in the text’s intention versus the reader’s response.

You can also ask QuillBot’s AI Chat for more examples and explanations of literary terms
Can tone and mood change in the same story?: Yes. Tone can shift depending on the narrator, their perspective, or the events they describe, while mood can evolve as the story unfolds and the reader reacts to new developments. For example, a story might start with a playful tone and lighthearted mood, then move into a darker, more serious section, changing both the narrator’s attitude and the reader’s emotional experience.

You can also ask QuillBot’s free AI Chat for examples of tone and mood shifts in different texts.
What is the difference between first- and third-person point of view?: There are several key differences between first- and third-person point of view, and understanding them helps readers follow how a story is told.

First-person point of view uses “I,” “me,” or “we,” so the story is told directly through one character’s eyes. Readers experience events, thoughts, and feelings as that character experiences them.

Third-person point of view uses “he,” “she,” or “they.” The narrator can focus on a single character (third-person limited) or follow multiple characters (third-person omniscient), providing a wider view of the story and events.

In short, first-person shows the story through one character’s personal perspective, while third-person provides a broader, more flexible view of the story world.

If you’re writing a story in the first- or third-person point of view, you can use QuillBot’s Grammar Checker to make sure your narration stays consistent and error-free.
Is a 14-line poem always a sonnet?: Not always. While sonnets do comprise 14 lines, they adhere to other rules too, like specific rhyme and meter. There are 14-line poems that don’t follow these rules and can’t be classified as traditional sonnets. These are, for example, quatorzains and modern sonnets.

If you’ve written a 14-line poem and want to ensure it fits the sonnet form, use QuillBot’s Grammar Checker to refine your poem’s flow, grammar, and overall structure.
What’s the difference between third-person omniscient and third-person limited?: In third-person omniscient point of view, the narrator knows everything about all characters and events—even their private thoughts and unseen actions. In third-person limited, the story sticks closely to one character’s perspective at a time, revealing only what that character knows or experiences.

If you’re unsure which point of view fits your story best, you can use QuillBot’s AI Chat to explore examples and get feedback on your writing choices.
Why do authors use the second-person point of view?: Authors use second-person POV to make readers feel directly involved in the story. By addressing “you,” the narrative becomes immersive, drawing readers into the character’s experiences. Writers often use it to create intimacy, tension, or emotional impact, and sometimes to experiment with storytelling in short stories, interactive narratives, or specific chapters of novels.
Which pronouns are used in second-person point of view?: Second-person POV uses the pronoun “you” to address the reader directly. It can also include related possessive forms like “your” and “yours” to describe the reader’s actions, thoughts, or belongings within the story.

If you’re writing a story in the second-person point of view, you can use QuillBot’s Grammar Checker to make sure your narration stays consistent and error-free.
What are first-, second-, and third-person POV examples?: Different points of view use distinct pronouns to show who is experiencing the story and how it’s told.

First-person POV uses pronouns like “I,” “me,” “my” (singular) or “we,” “us,” “our” (plural). Example: “We walked through the forest, feeling the damp leaves under our feet.”

Second-person POV uses “you” and related forms like “your” to make the reader the protagonist. Example: “You step into the room, heart racing as the shadows shift around you.”

Third-person POV uses character names or pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they.” Example: “Anna walked into the room, feeling a shiver run down her spine.”
Which books are written in second-person POV?: Notable examples of books written in second-person point of view include Jay McInerney’s novel “Bright Lights, Big City,” Italo Calvino’s “If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler,” Tom Robbins’ “Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas,” and Chuck Palahniuk’s “Diary.”

Curious to explore more books written in second-person POV? Try QuillBot’s AI Chat to quickly discover titles, summaries, and insights.
What are some story starters for middle school?: Some story starters for middle school are:

A strange object found in a locker

A mysterious note

Friends exploring an abandoned place

An unexpected guest in a classroom

Middle-school story starters often come from picture prompts showing relatable or dramatic moments.

Use QuillBot’s AI image generator to make tailored picture prompts for these middle-school story starters.
What are some inference picture prompts?: Some inference picture prompts are:

A messy bedroom

A half-eaten snack

Two people reacting differently

An object left behind

Inference picture prompts show visual clues that require students to “read between the lines” and help learners practice drawing conclusions.

You can generate custom inference picture prompts using QuillBot’s AI image generator
What are some funny picture writing prompts?: Some funny picture writing prompts are:

A dog wearing a cowboy costume

A group of cats playing with computer mice

A group of kids making exaggerating faces

A bath towel come to life

You can create your own funny picture prompts with QuillBot’s AI image generator.
Where can I find picture of the day writing prompts?: You can find “picture of the day” writing prompts on different educational and creative writing platforms.

You can also generate your own “picture of the day” writing prompts. This method allows you to tailor the daily writing prompts to topics that you (or your students) are currently exploring.

Try QuillBot’s AI story starter generator for written prompts, or the AI image generator to create daily picture prompts.
What are some scary story starters?: Some scary story starters are:

A glowing doorway

An empty street at night

A shadow without an owner

An abandoned house with a lone light on

You can create your own spooky picture prompts to complement these scary story starters with QuillBot’s AI image generator.
What are some winter writing prompts for kids?: Below are some winter writing prompts for kids:

You’re visiting the North Pole! Write a postcard describing what it’s like when the sun doesn’t rise all winter. What animals did you see? How cold is it? What are you wearing to stay warm?

Write step-by-step instructions on how to build a snowman for someone who has never seen snow before.

The best/worst thing about winter is …

When I look out the window during winter, I see …

Write about what it would be like to live in an igloo.

Looking for even more winter writing prompt ideas? Try QuillBot’s free AI writing prompt generator.
What is an example of iambic pentameter?: The opening line of Twelfth Night by Shakespeare is an example of iambic pentameter: “If music be the food of love, play on.” It consists of 5 iambs or 5 pairs of syllables with an alternating pattern of an unstressed followed by a stressed syllable.
What is an unrhymed iambic pentameter?: An unrhymed iambic pentameter is called “blank verse.” The term describes poems that do not rhyme but follow an iambic pentameter pattern: Each line comprises five pairs of syllables alternating between an unstressed and a stressed syllable. The most famous example of a poem written in blank verse is Paradise Lost by John Milton.
What is a characteristic of iambic pentameter in Sonnet 29?: A characteristic of iambic pentameter in Sonnet 29 by William Shakespeare is the number and pattern of stressed or accented syllables in most lines. Each line typically contains 10 syllables, alternating between an unstressed and a stressed one. For example, “That then I scorn to change my state with kings.” While most of the sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, there are some variations, including instances of trochaic meter.
What is a synonym for stanza?: The word “strophe” is often used as a synonym for stanza to describe a collection of lines that function as a unit in a poem.

In poems with consistent line lengths and regular metrical patterns, “stanza” and “strophe” can be used interchangeably. However, “strophe” is the preferable term for poems that are written in free verse and do not have a regular meter, rhyme scheme, or a consistent set of lines.
How long is a stanza?: The length of a stanza can vary as there is no set rule for it in poetry. It depends on the poem’s form and style, and the poet’s intention. A short stanza might consist of just two lines (called a couplet), while a longer stanza, such as those found in epic poetry, can span ten or even twenty lines.
What is an example of a stanza?: The lines below are an example of a stanza. In Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare, the final two lines form a couplet, which is a two-line stanza:

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

A stanza is a group of lines that forms the basic unit of a poem. In a sonnet, there are typically four stanzas: three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a concluding couplet, like the one shown here.
What are some spring writing prompts?: Spring writing prompts can be used as daily journal entries or creative writing prompts at school or home. Here are some examples:

Write about the perfect spring day. What would the weather be like? Where would you go? What would you do?

Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains for Spring Break? Give 3 reasons for your choice.

If you were a flower, what kind would you be? Why?

List 5 things that you can do in spring that you can’t do in winter.

Imagine you are in charge of a school or community garden. What plants would you grow? Why?

A lot of people like to do “spring cleaning.” What is your least favorite chore to do? Why?

You could also choose a spring quote and reflect on what it means to you.

Looking for even more spring writing prompts? Give QuillBot’s free writing prompt generator a try.
What are some short story writing prompts?: Below are some writing prompts to get you started with your next short story:

Think of an event from your life. Write about what happened to you, but from the perspective of someone else who was also there.

Pick your favorite story or fairytale from your childhood. Rewrite it with an alternative ending.

A middle-aged woman discovers a ghost in her bathroom.

Write a story that includes a character wearing a disguise or costume.

Use Quillbot’s Grammar Checker tool to ensure your story reads as smoothly as it unfolds.
What are some poetry writing prompts?: Here are some writing prompts to give you ideas about your next poem:

Write a poem that uses the abecedarian format. Begin each line or stanza with the first letter of the alphabet and continue with the next letter until the final one is reached.

Write a haiku about your favorite season.

Pick a book and circle some random words on the page without thinking too much about it. Use those words to write a poem.

Write a poem about numbers that have special meaning to you.

Want your lines to flow flawlessly? Quillbot’s Grammar Checker can help so that your syllables shine without errors.
What are some creative writing prompts for journaling?: Some creative writing prompts for journaling that you can try:

Write a letter to your future self.

Recount a time when you faced failure.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Finish this sentence: “My life would be incomplete without …”

What difficult thoughts or emotions come up most frequently for you?

Having trouble putting your thoughts into words? Quillbot’s Paraphraser can help you refine your letter to your future self.
What are some mystery writing prompts?: Some mystery writing prompts that you can try:

A small town vanishes without a trace—almost. Write about the journalist who discovers the one remaining clue and decides to follow it.

An office party takes a dark turn when the company president is found dead, and the eccentric attendees become prime suspects.

Start your story during a full moon night.

A housebound individual begins observing their neighbors through a window to pass the time. One day, they notice something suspicious.

Write a story where someone sees the shadow of someone standing behind them.

Use Quillbot’s Grammar Checker to polish your prose and heighten the suspense in your mystery.
What is the rhyme scheme of a Petrarchan sonnet?: The rhyme scheme of a Petrarchan sonnet is usually ABBA ABBA CDE CDE. The Petrarchan sonnet consists of two parts or stanzas:

An octave (8 lines): here, the rhyme scheme is typically ABBA ABBA. This part introduces the reader to a problem or conflict.

A sestet (6 lines): here the rhyme scheme follows the pattern CDE CDE or CDC DCD. The sestet provides the solution to the problem introduced in the octave– this is why they have separate rhyme schemes.
What are some daily writing prompts for kids?: Here are some ideas for daily writing prompts for kids:

Describe what you look for in a friend.

What TV or movie characters do you wish were real? Why?

Write a poem about your family. What are some words to describe your loved ones?

I wish my teachers knew that …

It started out as just an ordinary day, but then …

Write about a family member who has an interesting story to tell.

Imagine you wake up one morning and you can suddenly speak to animals.

For even more daily writing prompt ideas, use QuillBot’s free AI writing prompt generator.
What are some funny writing prompts for kids?: Some funny writing prompts for kids include:

You can breathe underwater and swim like a fish. What will you do with your new power?

Imagine that dogs take over the world. What do they make the humans do?

What is the funniest-sounding word? Write a poem about it.

Write about something funny your brother, sister, or best friend did recently. Did they mean for it to be funny? What made the moment so humorous?

Create a story where fairy tale characters meet in unexpected ways! What happens when Snow White encounters the Three Bears or when another favorite character enters a different fairy tale world?

For even more funny writing prompts, try QuillBot’s free writing prompt generator.
What is a thankful acrostic poem?: A thankful acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out the word “thankful.” For example:

True friends
Heartwarming moments
Appreciating life’s gifts
Nature’s beauty
Kindness and compassion
Finding joy in small things
Underneath the star-filled sky
Living grateful

A thankful acrostic poem is a creative way to express gratitude and can be used for various purposes, such as a Thanksgiving message or as a personal appreciation note.

Are you doubting between greatful and grateful? Let QuillBot’s Grammar Checker help you make the right choice!
What is a summer acrostic poem?: A summer acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out the word “summer.” For example:

Sun
Underwater
Mellon
Mosquitos
Easy-living
Resting

You can use this and other creative writing prompts for kids as a fun way to engage with poetry and explore the seasons.

You want to try your hand at poetry, but you’re stuck on what to write for the next line? QuillBot’s AI Chat tool can help you brainstorm ideas for your acrostic poem!
What is a winter acrostic poem?: A winter acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out the word “winter.” Here’s an example:

Woolen socks
Icicles
Nature sleeping
Tranquility
Envelopes everything
Repose

Struggling to make your winter acrostic feel more poetic? QuillBot’s Paraphraser can rework your lines for a smoother flow.
What is an objective point of view?: An objective point of view is a perspective that claims (or attempts) to have no bias. It is the opposite of a subjective point of view.

Taking an objective point of view is desirable in legal judgments and other rulings. It attempts to remove emotion and bias from any decision.

In truth, an objective point of view is extremely difficult to achieve as human beings. This can be seen in the original Star Trek television series, where we see Mr. Spock making purely “logical” (i.e., objective) judgments and the passionate Dr. McCoy making subjective judgments. Captain Kirk’s task is frequently to find the middle ground between these two sources of counsel.

Want to know what point of view is in another language? Try the free QuillBot translator.
What is a limited point of view?: A limited point of view, often found in literature or film, usually describes a narrator who has limited knowledge of the action being described.

A first-person narrator is an example of a limited point of view, as the reader or viewer only knows what the character in question knows.

Often, even a third-person narrator will offer a limited point of view, depending on what the author’s intentions and needs are.

If you want to make sure your own writing is grammatically correct, try the free QuillBot Grammar Checker.
What is an omniscient narrator?: An omniscient narrator knows everything happening in a story, including the actions, thoughts, and feelings of all characters. The term comes from the Latin omni- (“everything”) and scientus (“knowledge”).

While first-person point of view gives readers access to only one character’s perspective, and second-person point of view addresses the reader as “you,” an omniscient narrator—usually in third-person point of view—can share multiple characters’ inner thoughts and provide a complete picture of the story world.

You can use QuillBot’s Paraphraser to find new ways of saying “omniscient narrator” (or anything else!)
What are some point of view quotes?: Because of the importance of understanding someone else’s point of view, there are many excellent quotes on the topic. Here are some notable ones:

“You never really understand a person until you consider things
from his point of view.” Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

“Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.” Sterling K. Brown

“A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way.” Allen Klein

“It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.” George Eliot, Middlemarch

If you need to check that work is properly cited, you can use the free QuillBot Plagiarism Checker to make sure.
What are some synonyms for point of view?: Some synonyms for point of view include “perspective” and “viewpoint.” Other options include “standpoint,” “way of looking at things,” and even “opinion.”

A great way of finding synonyms or new ways of saying something is to use the free QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool.

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What is a writing prompt?

Creative writing: Other interesting questions

What is a writing prompt?

Creative writing: Other interesting questions

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