Jonas is writing a personal narrative in which he loses a race, but then he returns to the same competition the next year and wins.

Question

Which plot sequences would be the most effective ways to organize his story?

Select all that apply.

Responses

Begin just before the second race, with a flashback to the first race, followed by a scene describing the second race.
Begin just before the second race, with a flashback to the first race, followed by a scene describing the second race.

Begin with the first race, followed by many scenes from the year in between, and end with a scene describing the second race.
Begin with the first race, followed by many scenes from the year in between, and end with a scene describing the second race.

Begin with the second race, summarize the previous year, and then introduce the first race.
Begin with the second race, summarize the previous year, and then introduce the first race.

Begin with a scene describing the first race, followed by a scene describing the second race.

Answer 1

The most effective ways to organize Jonas's personal narrative could include:

1. Begin just before the second race, with a flashback to the first race, followed by a scene describing the second race.
   This structure creates suspense and engages the reader by starting with the climax (the second race) before revealing the background of the first race.

2. Begin with the first race, followed by many scenes from the year in between, and end with a scene describing the second race.
   This approach allows for a thorough exploration of Jonas's growth and development over the year, providing a strong emotional arc leading up to the second race.

3. Begin with the second race, summarize the previous year, and then introduce the first race.
   This structure sets up an immediate contrast between the two races and allows for reflection on what the loss meant to Jonas in the context of his journey.

4. Begin with a scene describing the first race, followed by a scene describing the second race.
   This straightforward approach gives clear context by starting with the initial loss and directly juxtaposing it with the subsequent victory, making the contrast evident.

These options provide different ways to build tension, develop characters, and highlight the narrative's central themes of perseverance and growth.