Social studies are an important part of your education. Learning about the social sciences gives you a better understanding of the world we live in today by studying the events of the past.
Reading and then writing about what you learn will give you a better understanding of the past.
Below is a list of social studies prompts that will have you digging up history and gaining a new perspective along the way.
Using This Guide
You can use this writing guide in whatever way makes sense to you. The important thing is that you take the time to research and write.
But if you need help getting started, try one of these ideas below:
- Pick the prompt that’s most closely related to what you’re currently learning in social studies.
- Scan the list and choose the first prompt that catches your eye.
- Pick the prompt about something you know the least about.
The Prompts
- Social studies consist of seven areas: anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Which area is your favorite? Why?
- If people had YouTube in 1922, what kind of things do you think they would have posted?
- Write a fictional explanation about what happened to the lost colonists at Roanoke.
- If you could go back in time to any period, which would you choose? Why?
- Pick a historical event before 1950. If the internet and social media were around then, do you think the event would have ended differently? Why?
- How do myths and legends affect modern history?
- Research a female archeologist and write 2-5 paragraphs about her accomplishments.
- Why does the United States have a president instead of a king?
- If you could put a historical figure on U.S. money, who would you pick? Why?
- Why do you think so many people fall for clickbait and false news?
- Who is your favorite person you’ve learned about in social studies? Why?
- Research a California Mission and write 2-5 paragraphs about its history.
- Look at a map of your town when it was first founded. How do you think life was different then?
- What do you think were the three most important inventions of the 1800s? Explain.
- Do you think video games are considered art?
- Research famous protests in history. Would you have participated? Explain.
- Explain the importance of feminism. Use examples from history.
- Do you think it’s important to know where your food comes from? Why?
- Do you think it’s important to know where and how your clothes are made? Why?
- Do you think the U.S. should convert to natural energy where possible? Why?
- Are there any musical instruments you’d like to play? What sparked your interest?
- You are only allowed to listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life. Which do you pick? Why?
- Do you think street art is art or graffiti? Explain.
- What is your favorite painting? Why?
- Why is literature considered art? Explain with examples.
- Do you think it’s important for students to have access to the arts?
- If you could meet any artist (musical, visual, or performing), who would it be? Why?
- Why is it important to respect others’ cultures, but not appropriate them?
- Explain how Black culture has influenced music.
- Compare and contrast the effects of tourism on the environment.
- Pick a country you’d like to visit. Write about its climate, culture, and economy.
- Would you rather live somewhere where it is hot most of the year, or somewhere where it’s cold most of the year? Why?
- How do humans affect climate change?
- Research a common historical misconception. Why do you think so many people believed this myth?
- What is the importance of port cities and international trade?
- Why is diversity important in our society?
- Explain in your own words how the modern alphabet was created.
- What are some good things about your community? What are some things that you would change?
- What is the first historical event you remember? Summarize it in your own words.
- How do you think your childhood is different from your great-great-grandparents’ childhood?
- Research the Bill of Rights. Pick one right that you think needs to be changed or amended. Use examples.
Looking For More?
If you loved these prompts and you’re looking for more ways to help you keep writing, we’ve got you covered.
We also have resources for teachers and parents to help you along the way!
And if you’re looking for something specific, reach out and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.
