Finally, I asked what was going on, and the truth unfolded like a flat tire losing air. Leni took a deep breath, her heart racing as she realized the depth of her friends' frustrations. "I talked a lot about myself," she admitted, shame creeping into her voice. "I didn’t ask what you would like to do." She glanced at Margo, who was quietly picking at her plate, and felt a pang of regret. "I forgot about your peanut allergies, and I just assumed Martin could miss his family reunion for my party." The weight of her mother's words pressed heavily on her mind—she had centered everything around her own desires without considering her friends’ feelings. Leni's previous excitement became a hollow echo as she recognized the hurt she had caused. It was a difficult lesson in empathy, and as she looked around the room, she saw the disappointment etched on their faces. In that moment, Leni understood the importance of inclusion, and she resolved to make amends. "How about we plan the party together?" she suggested with a hopeful smile. Her friends' faces lit up, and as they began to share their own ideas, Leni finally felt the joy of collaboration. It was a birthday party not just for her, but for all of them—an experience worthy of celebration.
the question(s).
Take My Advice
It used to frustrate me when someone said, “Take my advice . . .” I always wanted to answer, “I will ask for your advice if I would like it. If I don’t ask, I don’t want any advice!” But then I had an experience that made me think twice about listening.
When I was young, my mother often said to me “If you put yourself in the center of everything, you don’t leave room for anyone else.” I heard her words, but I shrugged them off. Her advice didn’t sink in until years later. I was organizing a party for my birthday. I had started making plans a few weeks before. Every time I came up with a new idea I eagerly told my friends about it. I had decided what movie we would watch, what we would eat, what games we would play—everything. My friends liked my first few ideas. They became less and less positive with every new idea I added.
I was confused. My friends were clearly growing less, not more, interested in coming. Finally, I asked what was going on.
Leni made these notes about her personal narrative.
• I talked a lot about myself.
• I didn’t ask what my friends would like to do.
• I forgot my friend Margo has peanut allergies.
• I assumed Martin could miss his family reunion for my party.
• My friends were hurt they weren’t included in the planning.
• My mother’s advice started to make a lot of sense.
Constructed Response Question
Drawing on details from Leni’s notes, write the rest of the paragraph that begins with the underlined sentences, and conclude the narrative. In your paragraph, use precise language to further develop the characters and events.
1 answer