Writing Workshop: Narrative Writing Answers

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 Keyana’s personal narrative, “Thanks, Dad.”When I was four years old, my dad and I [WOL] a tree in our front yard. It was a tiny, fragile sapling. He promised me that it would grow tall and strong, but he said that I had to be patient. Until I turned 18 years old, Dad and I [WOL] it every year on my birthday.Fill in the blanks in order.

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?

Read the introduction to Cora’s personal narrative, “Apple Picking.”Have you ever [WOL] homemade apple pie? I have, and it was the most delicious piece of food I ever tasted. Last summer, I [WOL] an orchard with my cousins.Fill in the blanks in order.

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?

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

Read the introduction to Cole’s personal narrative, “Too Cool for School?”On my first day at Crestwood High School, I was [WOL] that no one would like me. I had just moved to town, and it seemed to me that my classmates had known each other for years. I hated being the new kid. I walked down the hall with my head down and my shoulders hunched. I sat by myself at lunch, despite several invitations.After about three weeks, things [WOL]. At lunch one day, a boy approached my table and sat down. He asked, “Why don’t you like us? Why don’t you want to hang out with us?” I couldn’t believe it! I had thought that they didn’t want to spend time with me.The boy’s name was Craig, and he insisted that I come sit with him and his friends. I haven’t sat alone since, and now when I [WOL] down the hall, I keep my head up and I smile.Fill in the blanks in order.

Read the introduction to Joel’s personal narrative, “The Jazz Band.”I [WOL] 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 [WOL] four nerve-racking tryouts, but it was worth it.Fill in the blanks in order.

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

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