Narrative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
My story is about a dog. The dog is brown. The dog goes on a walk.
Corrected: One sunny morning, a scruffy brown dog named Max escaped through the backyard gate.
The original flatly announces the topic and lists plain facts, which is a weak opening. A hook drops readers into the action with a specific moment, name, and interesting problem.
2. Fix the sentence:
And then we went home and that was the end of the story.
Corrected: As we walked home under the orange sunset, I realized this adventure had changed everything.
'That was the end' tells the reader the story is over without showing any meaning. A stronger ending includes reflection and imagery so the reader feels the character has grown.
3. Fix the sentence:
"Lets go find the treasure" whispered Jake
Corrected: "Let's go find the treasure," whispered Jake.
'Let's' is a contraction of 'let us' and needs an apostrophe, a comma belongs inside the quotes before the dialogue tag, and the whole sentence needs an ending period. Three small fixes, one complete sentence.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A strong story opening is called a hook because it grabs the reader's attention.
Just like a fishing hook catches a fish, a story hook catches the reader and makes them want to keep reading. It is the very first thing readers experience.
2. Starting a story with a question or exciting action creates suspense for the reader.
Suspense is the feeling of wanting to know what happens next. Questions and action make readers curious, which is exactly what a good opening should do.
3. A good ending wraps up the plot and leaves the reader feeling complete.
The plot is the sequence of events, and a good ending ties those events together by resolving the main problem. A loose thread leaves readers unsatisfied.
4. Many stories end by showing what the main character learned from the experience.
Showing what a character learned gives the story meaning beyond just events. Readers remember stories that teach or change someone much longer than those that simply end.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why should a story avoid starting with "This story is about..."?
Sample answer: Starting with "This story is about" is boring and tells the reader what will happen instead of showing it. A better opening uses action, dialogue, or a question to pull the reader in right away.
Announcing the topic gives away what the story will cover without creating any curiosity. Good writers drop readers straight into a scene so they discover the story as they read.
2. What makes a story ending feel satisfying to the reader?
Sample answer: A satisfying ending resolves the main problem and shows how the character has changed or what they learned, so the reader does not feel like the story just stopped suddenly.
Readers invest in a character's problem, so they need to see that problem solved. Showing growth or a lesson turns the ending from an event into a meaningful conclusion.