Question

What should you include in the first paragraph of a personal narrative? Check all that apply.

a hook to catch your reader’s attention
an explanation of the main topic
an introduction to your argument
evidence to support your points
important background information
a thesis statement with a claim

Answer 1

Choose these:
- a hook to catch your reader’s attention
- an explanation of the main topic
- important background information
- a thesis statement with a central idea (a controlling idea for the story)

Do not choose:
- an introduction to your argument — personal narratives focus on experience and meaning, not arguing a claim.
- evidence to support your points — supporting details and scenes come later in the body of the narrative.