Writing Workshop: Narrative Writing Answers

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 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 paragraph from Carmen’s personal narrative, “At Bat.”“Carmen Martinez, number 42.” I took a deep breath as my name rumbled through the loudspeaker. I was so nervous! With each step from the on-deck circle to the batter’s box, I thought my knees would give out and I would collapse. My stomach was in knots.One chance. I had one chance to help my team win this game so we could go to the state semifinals. I could hear the crowd cheering for me. “You got this!” they screamed. “You can do this!” I hoped I could.Which is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?

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.

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

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 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.

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. Fill in the blanks in order.

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.