Writing Workshop: Narrative Writing

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?

A brainstorming web can be an important tool in narrative writing because

"There's no way I would ever volunteer to be our graduation speaker," I snapped. Jill ______ surprised. "I don't even like raising my hand in school," I continued. "Why on earth would I put myself in a position to speak in front of our entire class?" She smiled knowingly. "I think you have a lot to say, Divya, and it's time to finally let it out. You always give me great advice. Graduation is a major turning point, and everyone will be looking for a little advice and encouragement as they venture into the world. See? You ______ the perfect person to give this speech!" Fill in the blanks in order.

Once it chanced that I stood in the very abutment of a rainbow's arch, which filled the lower stratum of the atmosphere, tinging the grass and leaves around, and dazzling me as if I looked through colored crystal. It was a lake of rainbow light, in which, for a short while, I lived like a dolphin. If it had lasted longer it might have tinged my employments and life. Which is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?

"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.

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?

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?

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?

Sentence 1: What a peaceful morning, I thought to myself. Sentence 2: I opened my eyes, lay still for a moment, and listened to the sounds of the forest. Sentence 3: At that very moment, I heard Joaquin frantically scream, "Enzo, come quick! Look!" Sentence 4: The rustling tree branches sounded like hushed whispers, and I wondered what they were saying. What is the most logical way to sequence these sentences to create a logical narrative?

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.