In 8th grade, students should write essays that focus on personal experiences, historical events, or literary analysis. These topics help develop critical thinking and writing skills essential for academic success. For instance, a personal narrative essay can explore a student's growth or a historical analysis can delve into a significant event. By engaging with such topics, 8th graders can refine their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and coherently, which is crucial for future academic and professional endeavors. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), students who frequently write essays demonstrate higher levels of reading and writing proficiency (NAEP, 2020).