Narrative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which sentence best shows a character's feelings instead of telling them?
A) Maya was sad.
B) Maya wiped her eyes and stared at the empty chair.
C) Maya felt very upset about it.
D) Maya was the saddest girl ever.
Wiping eyes and staring at an empty chair are actions that SHOW sadness without using the word 'sad.' The other options just tell the reader Maya is sad instead of letting them picture it.
2. What is the purpose of the climax in a narrative?
A) To introduce the characters
B) To describe the setting in detail
C) To present the turning point where tension is highest
D) To end the story quickly
The climax is the peak of the story where the main conflict reaches its highest tension and a turning point occurs. Everything before it builds up; everything after it winds down.
3. Which dialogue is punctuated correctly?
A) "Let's go" said Ben.
B) "Let's go," said Ben.
C) "Let's go", said Ben.
D) "Let's go." Said Ben.
The comma belongs inside the quotation marks before the dialogue tag, and the tag is not capitalized because it continues the sentence. The other versions either place the comma wrongly or capitalize 'Said.'
4. A character who is afraid of water but jumps in to save a friend is showing:
A) Carelessness
B) Courage
C) Confusion
D) Laziness
Courage means acting bravely despite being afraid — not the absence of fear. Jumping in DESPITE fearing the water is a textbook example of courage.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. "Show, don't tell" means using actions to reveal emotions instead of stating them.
Instead of saying 'He was angry,' a writer shows anger through actions like slamming a door or clenching fists. Actions let readers figure out feelings for themselves.
2. A strong narrative uses sensory details so the reader can imagine the scene.
Sensory details engage sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch to create a full picture in the reader's mind. Plain description falls flat; sensory description pulls readers in.
3. The problem in a story should get worse before it gets better.
Rising action makes the conflict harder and harder, which builds tension toward the climax. If the problem solved itself easily, the story would be boring.
4. A character's dialogue should sound natural and match their personality .
A shy character should not suddenly speak like a loud comedian — dialogue must fit who they are. Matching words to personality keeps characters believable.
5. The ending of a narrative should feel satisfying and not rushed.
A satisfying ending gives readers a sense of completion by tying up the main problem. Rushed endings leave readers feeling the story was cut short.