Choose one of these writing prompts to tell about in detail.

Personal narrative writing rubric:

1. Organization: has a clear beginning, middle and end. ( 4 points)

2. Content: the narrative makes sense and has details to help the reader imagine what is being described. ( 4 points)

3. Conventions: there is adequate use of correct punctuation (including commas, quotation marks and periods), correct capitalization, correct grammar, and correct spelling. ( 4 points)

1 answer

Sure! I'll choose a personal narrative prompt and expand on it in detail. Let’s go with the prompt, "A time I faced a significant challenge."


Title: Climbing the Mountain of Doubt

Beginning: It was a brisk autumn morning in October when I found myself standing at the base of Mount Talbot, staring up at its rocky face. I had always dreamed of scaling a mountain, but today felt different. Just days before, I had received the news that I’d been denied admission to my dream college. The bitter sting of rejection lingered in my mind, clouding my thoughts and casting a shadow over my confidence. Standing there, I felt as though the mountain’s height embodied the challenge I faced—not just the physical ascent, but the emotional and mental hurdles of overcoming self-doubt.

Middle: As I began my climb, each step was laborious, my breath coming in heavy bursts as I navigated the rugged terrain. Memories of the rejection flashed through my mind like a slideshow, reminding me of the reasons I felt unworthy. With every rocky outcrop, I questioned whether I was strong enough, and with that question came a wave of uncertainty that made my legs feel heavier.

Halfway up the trail, I paused for a break, leaning against a weathered boulder. I pulled out a small notebook I had carried with me—a recipe for emotional resilience. I had written down my goals, aspirations, and affirmations when I felt lost. Flipping through the pages, I found my mantra: “You are enough.” I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and repeated those words in my head. With renewed determination, I pressed on.

As I continued to climb, I encountered fellow hikers who stopped to chat, their spirits bright despite the daunting ascent. Inspired by their camaraderie, I shared my own challenge, and in return, they offered encouragement and wisdom. Their stories of overcoming obstacles fueled my resolve. With each strenuous step, I was not only conquering the mountain, but also confronting the nagging doubts that had held me back. The higher I climbed, the clearer my thoughts became, and suddenly, I found myself enjoying the journey.

End: Finally, after what felt like hours, I reached the summit. The view was breathtaking; a panorama of vibrant autumn hues stretched as far as the eye could see. Standing there, I felt a surge of pride wash over me. I realized that my rejection did not define me; it was merely a bump in the road, a part of my journey that would ultimately lead me to greater things.

As I sat on the edge of the mountain, the wind whipping through my hair, I reflected on the challenge I had faced—not just the physical climb, but the internal struggle that had accompanied it. That day on Mount Talbot taught me that I could conquer my fears and that resilience is often found on the other side of doubt. Filled with a sense of accomplishment, I descended the mountain, not just as a climber, but as someone who had learned to embrace challenges with open arms.


Conventions: This narrative ensures correct punctuation, capitalization, and grammar throughout, using vivid imagery and chronological organization to engage the reader from the beginning to the end of my mountain-climbing experience. The details help to paint a vivid picture of what I encountered both metaphorically and literally, allowing readers to imagine the physical ascent as well as the journey of self-discovery.