Writing Workshop: Narrative Writing Answers

Paolo is writing a personal narrative about how he overcame his fear of heights by riding a roller coaster. He is working on his thesis statement. Which of the following sentences would be the best thesis statement?

Read the introduction to Cora’s personal narrative, “Apple Picking.”Have you ever ______ homemade apple pie? I have, and it was the most delicious piece of food I’ve ever tasted. Last summer, I ______ an orchard with my cousins. Which words correctly fill in the blanks?

Read the introduction to Cole’s personal narrative, “Too Cool for School?”On my first day at Crestwood High School, I was ______ 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 ______. 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 ______ down the hall, I keep my head up and I smile. Which words correctly fill in the blanks?

Carmen is writing a personal narrative about volunteering at the community center. She has listed the important parts of her story.– Decided to volunteer at the community center– Taught an art class to first- and second-graders– Asked Janet to help me think of ideas for projects– Used clay and finger paints– Made recycled-bottle masks– Worked with kids who were messy and sometimes hard to deal with– Thought it was rewarding and fun to help people– Had an unforgettable experience Which part should Carmen include in the introduction section of her outline as part of her thesis?

Read the introduction to Keyana’s personal narrative, “Thanks, Dad.”When I was four years old, my dad and I ______ 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 ______ it every year on my birthday. Choose the words that correctly fill in the blanks.

Look at the brainstorming web. This brainstorming web is helping the writer

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. Which words correctly fill in the blanks?

Read the introduction to Lena’s personal narrative, “My First Solo.”The first time I ______ a solo, my stomach was in knots. I could barely breathe, and I wasn’t sure a sound would come out when I opened my mouth to sing. Despite my nerves, I was able to do it. My part certainly wasn’t perfect and may have been a little screechy, but I was proud of myself nonetheless. Which word correctly fills in the blank?

Read the introduction to Griffin’s personal narrative, “Saving Up.”When I was fifteen, I asked my mom if I could go visit my cousin, who lives across the country. “If you can ______ up enough babysitting money to pay for half of the plane ticket, I will let you go,” she replied. I ______ thrilled! Which words correctly fill in the blanks?

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.Which words correctly fill in the blanks?