Writing Workshop: Narrative Writing Answers

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

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 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 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 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 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 quotation from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.When first I took up my abode in the woods, that is, began to spend my nights as well as days there, which, by accident, was on Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, 1845, my house was not finished for winter, but was merely a defence against the rain, without plastering or chimney, the walls being of rough, weather-stained boards, with wide chinks, which made it cool at night. The upright white hewn studs and freshly planed door and window casings gave it a clean and airy look, especially in the morning, when its timbers were saturated with dew.Which is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?

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