Write a narrative about a meaningful or memorable experience from your life (non-fictional) OR an experience you create (fictional). The goal is to bring your story to life using strong details, imagery, and natural dialogue. Your essay must follow a clear structure with a beginning (exposition), middle (rising action and climax), and end (falling action and resolution).

3. A Journey Through a New Place
Describe an adventure in an unfamiliar place—whether it’s a new city, a trip you’ve taken, or even an unknown part of your hometown. What did you discover about the place or yourself?
Tips for Success!!!
- Show, don’t tell! Instead of saying “I was scared,” describe your trembling hands or quickened heartbeat. How can you make the reader feel the way you felt in that situation without spelling everything out for them?

- You can never have enough details! What sights, smells, tastes, or sounds did you experience? What did things feel like? Paint a picture for your reader with detail.

- Even if you don’t remember exactly what was said, add in some dialogue that might have happened!

Question 2
Paragraph #1 (3-5 sentences).

For this section, make sure to include the following details:

- Introduce the setting, main characters, and the situation that sets your story in motion.

- Include details to help the reader imagine the environment (What you see, hear, or feel?).

In these 3-5 sentences, try to set up "the normal world" for the characters before things change. Basically, make sure to write a paragraph where you put the reader in the character's shoes, and start to introduce the conflict (the thing that will change things up).

Sample Paragraph #1

Marlin and Nemo live in the Pacific Ocean near a reef. Marlin is Nemo's dad, and he doesn't like when his son does anything dangerous in the waters. Nemo just wants to set out on an adventure and explore the ocean a little bit. Unfortunately, Nemo has a small flipper, which makes his life a little harder. One day, Nemo defies Marlin and swims up to touch a boat, but he is immediately captured in a bag by a diver!

(5 points)
10000 Word Limit
Question 3
Paragraph #2 (3-5 Sentences)

For this section, make sure to include the following details:

- Build suspense or interest through rising action. Show how the situation unfolds with a mix of action and dialogue.

- Develop characters by describing their thoughts, feelings, and interactions.

- Use descriptive language to immerse the reader in the story.

In these 3-5 sentences, make sure to show us how the conflict is affecting the characters - what are they trying to do to overcome the problem? Basically, make sure to write a paragraph where you develop the characters while moving the whole story further along

Sample Paragraph #2

Marlin swears to find Nemo, and even though he's terrified, he ventures into the open ocean to find his son. He finds Dory, a silly fish who has a hard time remembering things. While they don't seem like they'll get along well, Marlin starts to trust Dory, and she gets him out of many problems. They encounter a group of sharks who say that "Fish are Friends, not Food," but Marlin and Dory have to swim away in order to survive! Eventually, they find out where Nemo was taken!

(5 points)
10000 Word Limit
Question 4
Paragraph #3 (3-5 Sentences)

For this section, make sure to include the following details:

- Describe the turning point of the story—what was the most intense or memorable moment?

- Reflect on how the experience ended and what you learned or how it changed you.

In these 3-5 sentences, make sure to show us how the problem is overcome by the characters. Basically, write a paragraph where everything comes to a conclusion and the characters have solved the issue!

Sample Paragraph #3

Once Nemo is able to escape the fish tank and get into the ocean, Marlin encourages him to "just keep swimming" to avoid being caught by a net. Nemo uses his strength to encourage other fish to swim downwards, breaking the net, and getting away from the problem! Nemo joins Marlin and Dory as the swim back home. Marlin learns that it's ok to give Nemo some space, and Nemo learns to trust his dad. The End!

(5 points)
10000 Word Limit
Question 5
Revising and Editing

- Revise your essay to ensure the plot is clear and flows naturally.

- Edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.


Before you submit your final draft, take a look through your writing to make sure that your writing flows naturally and is mostly free from spelling and grammar errors.

(4 points)
Responses

I will make sure to edit my work before turning it in! My teacher will add points here for the quality of my spelling and grammar!
I will make sure to edit my work before turning it in! My teacher will add points here for the quality of my spelling and grammar!
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1 answer

A Journey Through a New Place

Paragraph #1: Exposition

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the quaint streets of Fernville, a small town I had only heard about in passing during my childhood. I stood at the edge of Maple Grove Park, where towering maples swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets of the coming autumn. With a backpack slung over one shoulder and my heart thumping a little too quickly, I could hardly believe this was where my college road trip had led me. My friend Sarah, with her wild curls and contagious smile, nudged me forward. “C’mon! It’ll be fun! What’s the worst that could happen?” she said, her voice light with excitement. As we stepped deeper into the park, the sound of laughter from a nearby picnic and the scents of fresh popcorn mixed with cotton candy filled the air, teasing my senses with the promise of adventure.

Paragraph #2: Rising Action

As we wandered along the tree-lined pathways, the vibrant sounds of the fair drew us closer. “Look! The Ferris wheel!” Sarah pointed excitedly, and her enthusiasm was infectious. The colorful gondolas gleamed against the blue sky, and children squealed as they spun high above. However, beneath my excitement lay a thread of anxiety. Heights had never been my friend. “What if we get stuck up there?” I muttered, glancing up at the towering structure. Sarah laughed, dismissing my worries. “Think about the view! We’ll conquer that fear together!” With a gulp, I relented, and before I knew it, we were standing in line. The ride jerked to life, and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach dance uncontrollably as we ascended, the park shrinking below us. “This is amazing!” Sarah yelled, her face lit up with glee, while I gripped the bar tightly, my knuckles white against the vibrant paint.

Paragraph #3: Climax and Resolution

Then, just as we reached the top, the ride paused, and for a brief moment, everything fell silent. Below me, the panoramic view of the park embraced by a tapestry of yellow and orange hues took my breath away; I felt the world shift. Something profound stirred inside me, pushing my fears aside. “I can do this!” I breathed, finally allowing myself to enjoy the moment. Sarah turned to me, eyes wide. “See? Isn’t it beautiful?” In that instant, with the wind whipping through my hair and my heart steady at last, I understood something monumental. The descent was exhilarating; as we landed safely, my fear had shrunk. Stepping off the ride, I couldn’t help but grin, feeling lighter than air. “Let’s do it again!” I exclaimed, and Sarah laughed, her voice bubbling over with joy.

Falling Action and Resolution

The rest of the day passed in a blur of laughter and fun—playing games, sampling sugary treats, and even sharing stories with strangers who became friends in just a few short hours. As the sun dipped behind the maples, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange, I realized this spontaneous detour had not only filled my day with joy but had also taught me a valuable lesson about embracing the unknown. I glanced at Sarah, who had been my anchor and my cheerleader throughout this journey. “Thanks for dragging me out here,” I said, feeling more grateful than I could express. She just smiled, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of adventure. “Always! Next time, we’ll conquer something even bigger.” As we walked out of the park, my heart was fuller than it had been before, and I knew that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come when you step out of your comfort zone and explore the unfamiliar.