Just for Fun

You arrive home one day to find a large, mysterious package on your doorstep with no sender's address. Write a short story describing what happens next.

Write 100–150 words.

Think of a place — a city, a room, a landscape, a corner of a café — that means something to you. Write a vivid description of this place that makes the reader feel as if they are there.

Write 100–150 words.

Some people love the freedom of solo travel. Others prefer exploring with friends or family. Write a short opinion piece giving your view, with reasons and a personal example if possible.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a short story about a day when absolutely nothing went to plan — but something unexpected and positive came out of it.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a short letter to yourself at the age of 15. What would you tell yourself? What mistakes would you warn about? What would you want your younger self to know?

Write 120–160 words.

Write a review of the best meal you have ever eaten. Describe the food, where it was, what made it so memorable, and whether you would recommend the experience to others.

Write 100–150 words.

Some people say cooking is an essential life skill. Others think it is unnecessary in a world of restaurants and ready meals. Write a short piece giving your opinion.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a short story that begins: 'She missed the last train by thirty seconds.' What happens next? Where is she going, and why does it matter so much?

Write 120–180 words.

Think of someone — a teacher, a family member, a stranger you once met — who influenced the way you think or act. Write a short description of this person and explain what you learned from them.

Write 100–150 words.

Some people believe that old traditions and customs are worth preserving. Others think society should move on and let old traditions disappear. Write your opinion with reasons and examples.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a short story that begins: 'He opened the door and immediately knew he was in the wrong place.'

Write 120–180 words.

Think of someone who helped you at some point in your life — a person you never properly thanked. Write a letter to that person now.

Write 120–160 words.

Write an honest review of a place — a restaurant, a city, a tourist attraction — that you were looking forward to but found disappointing. Explain what you expected, what you found, and what could be improved.

Write 100–150 words.

Do you consider yourself a morning person or a night person? Write a lighthearted but well-argued piece defending your preference with reasons and examples.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a vivid description of a journey — by train, plane, car, or on foot — that you remember clearly. Focus on what you saw, felt, or thought during the journey, not just where you were going.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a short story about someone who finds an old photograph of a person they do not recognise — but something about it unsettles them.

Write 120–180 words.

Write a letter to yourself ten years from now. What do you hope will have changed? What do you hope will have stayed the same? What questions do you want your future self to answer?

Write 120–160 words.

What do you think are the most important qualities of a great city to live in? Write a short opinion piece arguing for the two or three factors you consider most essential, with reasons and examples.

Write 100–150 words.

Think of a sound — music, rain on a window, a particular voice — that immediately takes you back to a specific moment in your life. Write a vivid description of that sound and the memory it carries.

Write 100–150 words.

Write a short story that ends with the words: 'If only I had asked for five more minutes.'

Write 120–180 words.