Writing Workshop: Narrative Writing Answers

Read the sentences. Sentence 1: The first time I performed a solo, my stomach was in knots.Sentence 2: Despite my nerves, I was able to do it. Sentence 3: My part certainly wasn’t perfect and may have been a little screechy, but I was proud of myself nonetheless. Sentence 4: I could barely breathe, and I wasn’t sure a sound would come out when I opened my mouth to sing. What is the most logical way to sequence these sentences to create a logical narrative?

Read the introduction to Joel’s personal narrative, “The Jazz Band.” I ___ for the school jazz band my freshman year, my sophomore year, and my junior year. I didn’t make it until I was a senior. That’s four tryouts! I ___ four nerve-racking tryouts, but it was worth it. Fill in the blanks in order.

Read the first two sentences of Mina’s personal narrative, “My First Tryout.” When I was in ninth grade, I ___ out for the lacrosse team, even though I had never played before. My older sister had been a star goalie when she was my age, and I ___ to follow in her footsteps. Fill in the blanks in order.

Read the sentences.Sentence 1: We were inseparable.Sentence 2: So when Karim’s parents told us that they were moving across the country, we didn’t believe it, and we didn’t know how our friendship would survive.Sentence 3: Karim, Johan, and I had been best friends since the seventh grade.Sentence 4: Sometimes we’d spend entire weekends reading comic books and playing basketball.What is the most logical way to sequence these sentences to create a logical narrative?

Sasha just read a writing prompt, and she is not sure what to write about. In order to write a strong essay, Sasha should first

Look at the brainstorming web. A brainstorming web can be an important tool in narrative writing because

All of the following are essential to a strong essay outline, EXCEPT

Read the quotation from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.Some of my pleasantest hours were during the long rain-storms in the spring or fall, which confined me to the house for the afternoon as well as the forenoon, soothed by their ceaseless roar and pelting; when an early twilight ushered in a long evening in which many thoughts had time to take root and unfold themselves. In those driving northeast rains which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind my door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection.Which is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?

Read the introduction to Maria’s personal narrative, “Teaching Saturday School.” On Saturday mornings, I ___ Arabic to the children who attend my mosque. I wake up at eight o’clock and prepare my lesson as I eat breakfast. It’s hard work, but the look on my students’ faces when they ___ a new word is priceless. Fill in the blanks in order.

Read the writing prompt.Your school has decided that students must wear uniforms every day. Do you agree with this decision? Why or why not? Write a letter to your principal that explains your point of view. Provide clear reasons for whether or not you support the school’s decision.Jonas decides that he will write a letter explaining that he disagrees with the principal’s decision because he believes that uniforms take away from students’ individuality. What is his best next step?

Read the introduction to Mila’s personal narrative, “True Lessons.” “Smile, Mila! Smile!” When my little sister was almost three years old, she would ___ this every day when I ___ in the door from school. Fill in the blanks in order. repeated . . . walk repeat . . . walked repeated . . . walked repeat . . . walk

Read the excerpt from Paolo’s personal narrative, “The Amusement Park.”The first time I rode a roller coaster, I was nine years old. I remember feeling both terrified and excited. I had goosebumps, and the hairs on my arms were standing straight up. My sister and I waited in line for an hour, which only made me more nervous.Which sentence is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?