Unit 1 Portfolio: Narrative Writing “A-Ha Moment”

Question

Narrative Grading Rubric
HELP Recording!

Directions- This is a read only document. To make a copy you can type in, click File > Download as > Microsoft Word
OR OpenDocument Format OR click File > Make a Copy to save the document to your Google drive.

Instructions:
Click the link to read the short story “A-Ha Moment” by Julia Alvarez.
Imagine how the story would be different if it were told from the point of view of a different character. You may choose the high school student, the businessman, OR the glamorous young woman.
In your own words, retell the original story using the point of view of your chosen character.
Remember, you are pretending to BE this character and are speaking AS this person, so use first-person pronouns like “I,” “me,” and “my.”
Your story should be at least FIVE paragraphs long and should include the 5 plot elements.
Complete the Brainstorming chart below these instructions to help organize your thoughts BEFORE you begin writing your story.
Submit your completed OUTLINE to the dropbox in Unit 7 Lesson 9. This counts as part of your Sample Work grade.
Use the info in the outline you completed to write out your narrative in paragraph form to create a final draft of your story. Remember to separate the dialogue you use from the rest of the paragraphs and punctuate the dialogue correctly. Use these instructions for help.
Submit your Narrative FINAL DRAFT to the dropbox in Unit 7 Lesson 12.
Requirements:
Write as if you ARE the character using 1st person point of view.
Use chronological (time) order to retell the story.
Organize the 5 plot elements with 5 separate paragraphs.
Use MLA Format
Use correct grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and sentence structure.
Final Paper should be 1-2 pages in length.

Help Resources:
Portfolio Instructions Help video
1st Person Point of View
5 plot elements
Punctuating Dialogue Help
MLA Format Example Paper

Brainstorming- Provide brief answers.
Highlight or underline the character whose point of view you will be using. Choose ONE.
The high school student The businessman
The glamorous woman
Why is the character you chose traveling?

How does the character react when the plane is struck by lightning?

What does the character think about when the plane is making an emergency landing?

What has the character learned as a result of this experience?

Narrative Essay Outline- Write in complete sentences.
A narrative is a spoken or written account of a series of connected events. People use personal narratives whenever they tell what happened. You will be telling this story as if you are a character from the story “A-Ha Moment.” Remember: Use 1st person pronouns (“I” & “me”) to speak as the character.

*Note: Do NOT copy the original wording of this story. That is considered plagiarism. You should maintain the same basic plot, but the way in which you tell it should be entirely new using the new characters' style and tone of voice. The best way to avoid plagiarism is to put away the original story while you’re writing your own.
Paragraph 1 - Exposition
Describe the setting on the plane and the reason “you” are traveling.
(2-3 sentences)

(“You” means that, as the writer, you are speaking as the character. Use 1st person pronouns- I, me, my.)

Paragraph 2 - Rising Action
Describe the emergency that happens & sets the scene.
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

How do “you” feel in this part of the story?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

Paragraph 3 - Climax
Describe “your” reaction to the emergency.
What does the plane have to do?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

What are “your” thoughts and feelings?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

Extra Credit (Optional):
Create a flashback scene. What important event from the past do “you” think about as the plane is making an emergency landing? Use sensory language to describe the event.

Paragraph 4 - Falling Action
What happens at the end of the story?
What happens as a result of the climax?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

How do “you” feel in this part of the story?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

Paragraph 5 - Resolution
How do “you” choose to move on from this experience?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

How did this experience impact “you”?
What did the “you” learn as a result of this experience?
(2-3 sentences- use 1st person- I, me, my)

Answer 1

Brainstorming

Character Chosen: The high school student

1. Why is the character you chose traveling?
   I am traveling to attend a national science competition; it's my first time flying alone, and I’m excited but nervous about the big event.

2. How does the character react when the plane is struck by lightning?
   I feel a jolt of fear like a punch to my gut. My heart races, and I can’t believe something so intense is happening to me while I’m just a student. I grip the armrest tightly.

3. What does the character think about when the plane is making an emergency landing?
   As the flight takes a nose dive, I think about everything I’ll miss—the competition, my family, and the future I dream of. The terrifying thought of not making it to the ground floods my mind.

4. What has the character learned as a result of this experience?
   Through this experience, I learn about the fragility of life and the importance of living in the moment. I discover that it’s crucial to chase my dreams and not be hesitant because of fear.

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Narrative Essay Outline

Paragraph 1 - Exposition
The hum of engines surrounded me as I settled into my seat on the plane, my backpack snug against my side. Today was a big day—I was heading to a national science competition, something I had worked tirelessly for. The excitement swirled within me, mingling with the anxiety of flying alone for the first time.

Paragraph 2 - Rising Action
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a loud crack echoed through the cabin as the plane was struck by lightning. The plane jolted violently, and gasps erupted around me. I felt my stomach drop as fear gripped my heart; what was happening? Had I done the right thing by taking this flight? The reality of my situation sunk in, and I began to doubt my decision to even participate in the competition.

Paragraph 3 - Climax
Panic surged through my veins as the flight attendants rushed down the aisle. I could see the pilot through the cabin door, his brows furrowed in concentration. The plane started to descend sharply, and I braced myself for impact, feeling my world shrink around me. All I could think was how unfair it seemed that my dreams might end here in a metal tube hurtling toward the ground.

Extra Credit (Optional):
In that moment, I flashed back to the time when my science teacher encouraged my curiosity. I remembered digging in the dirt during our school’s science fair that year, the sun shining brightly and the thrill of discovery igniting my passion. I had always viewed science as a way to explore the unknown, and now I feared I might not get to explore anything at all.

Paragraph 4 - Falling Action
After what felt like an eternity, I realized we were landing—safely, thankfully. The plane finally touched down with a gentle thud, a collective sigh of relief washing over the passengers. As I breathed out, I felt the weight of fear slowly lift, replaced by gratitude. I could hardly believe I was still alive after such an ordeal.

Paragraph 5 - Resolution
As I stepped off the plane, I decided not to let fear control my future. I vowed to embrace every opportunity that came my way, knowing life was unpredictable. This experience taught me that chasing my dreams was essential, and I learned that every moment counts. I promised myself I would approach life's challenges with bravery and determination, just like I had come through this scare with a renewed sense of purpose.