Question

“Forgotten” Writing Assignment
125 or more words
Write two or more paragraphs and submit the assignment in Google Classrooms as Credit 5 Writing 2.
This story can be divided into three parts: the happy part 1, the not-so-sure part 2, and the unhappy part 3.
Explain the happiness in the first part of the story. Use evidence. Explain the change of mood in part 2. Use evidence. Be sure to explain why things have changed. Emphasize the why because this is the point of the story. Explain the unhappiness of the final part. Use evidence. For your evidence, quote, paraphrase, or summarize from the story.
Begin your writing by adding to the sentence below.
______________________________________
In “Forgotten,” Anne Mazer describes what can make the lives of older children progress from joy to despair. She starts the story by showing how happy the child is when people pay attention to them and include them in family life. At first the narrator is proud and excited — included in games, asked about school, and comforted when things go wrong. Mazer’s descriptions of warm routines and small celebrations make it clear that the child feels cared for and important. This evidence shows that attention and belonging are the sources of the first part’s happiness.

The mood changes in the second part when adults begin to treat the child like they no longer need help or notice. Mazer shows the shift by describing moments when plans are forgotten, questions go unanswered, or the child is left out of conversations. The reason things change is that grown-ups assume older children can handle themselves and so they stop giving them time and care. By the final part the child feels invisible and hurt, which leads to real unhappiness. The story makes it clear that the loss of attention and the feeling of being taken for granted turn earlier joy into loneliness and despair.

Answer 1

In “Forgotten,” Anne Mazer describes what can make the lives of older children progress from joy to despair. At first the narrator feels proud and important because family members include them in everyday life: they are invited into games, adults ask about school and listen to answers, and someone comforts them when things go wrong. Mazer builds this warm mood by showing small rituals and celebrations that signal belonging—the narrator’s excitement at being asked to help or to share a story makes it clear that attention is the source of happiness. These scenes show that being noticed and needed gives the child confidence and pleasure.

The mood shifts in the second part when those same adults begin to treat the narrator as if they no longer require attention. Plans are forgotten, questions are brushed off, and the child is left out of conversations they once joined. Mazer explains this change by showing adults’ assumptions: because the child is older, grown-ups stop checking in and assume the child can manage alone. The result, in the final part, is lasting unhappiness—feelings of invisibility and hurt replace earlier joy. By tracing how attention is withdrawn step by step, the story shows that the loss of care and belonging turns pride into loneliness and despair.