Narrative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The brave knight was too scared to enter the dark cave, so he ran home crying.
Corrected: The brave knight took a deep breath and stepped into the dark cave.
The original sentence says the knight is brave but shows him running away crying, which contradicts the trait. A character's actions should match their traits, so a brave knight would face the cave, not flee.
2. Fix the sentence:
"I want to go to the park" said Maria.
Corrected: "I want to go to the park," said Maria.
When a dialogue tag like 'said Maria' follows the quoted words, a comma is required inside the closing quotation mark. Without it, the dialogue runs into the tag without proper separation.
3. Fix the sentence:
The story had a problem but no ending. The dog was lost and that was it.
Corrected: The story had a problem and a resolution. The dog was lost, but the children searched the neighborhood and found it at the park.
A narrative needs both a problem AND a resolution so readers feel the story is complete. The fix adds how the characters solved the problem of the lost dog.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A narrative tells a story with characters, a setting, and events.
A narrative is, by definition, a story — it tells what happens to characters in a place over time. All the listed parts (characters, setting, events) are the building blocks of a story.
2. The main character in a story is called the protagonist .
The word 'protagonist' comes from Greek and literally means 'first actor.' This is the character the story follows most closely and whose problem drives the plot.
3. The problem in a story is also called the conflict .
Conflict is the struggle or problem the characters face, and it is what makes a story interesting. Without conflict, there would be nothing for the characters to overcome.
4. The ending of a story where the problem is solved is the resolution .
The resolution resolves — or solves — the conflict and brings the story to a close. It is the part that leaves the reader feeling the story is complete.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why is it important for a story to have both a problem and a resolution?
Sample answer: A problem gives the characters something to work through, and the resolution shows how they solve it, which makes the story complete and satisfying.
A problem creates tension that makes readers want to keep reading, and the resolution pays off that tension by showing the outcome. Without a resolution, the reader is left wondering what happened.
2. What makes a character interesting to read about?
Sample answer: A character is interesting when they have clear traits and motivations, such as being brave or wanting to help a friend, because readers can understand why they act the way they do.
Readers connect with characters when they can see why the character wants something and how their personality shapes their choices. Clear traits and motivations turn a name on a page into a person we care about.