Plan, draft, revise, peer-edit, and publish a 4-6 paragraph personal narrative
Exercise Difficulty 5 ~30 min eng.g3.f.ex_51

Stretch Six Paragraph Narrative

Prompt

STRETCH (CCSS W.4.3.b entry expectation): Expand your 4-paragraph narrative into a 6-paragraph narrative by adding TWO new paragraphs: (1) a SECOND COMPLICATION or COMPLICATION-DEEPENING paragraph between the original complication and peak; (2) a REFLECTION paragraph between the resolution and the end that names what changed inside the narrator using an abstract noun. Maintain consistent register, tense, and named character motivation. Use at least 4 different subordinating conjunctions across the full piece. Include at least 2 dialogue exchanges with full mechanics and varied attribution.

M-3-F-EX-51 Illustration
Reference image of a 6-paragraph expanded narrative draft with each paragraph color-coded in the margin: blue (orientati

Reference image of a 6-paragraph expanded narrative draft with each paragraph color-coded in the margin: blue (orientation), yellow (complication 1), orange (complication 2 / deepening), red (peak), green (resolution), purple (reflection). Print-ready 8.5x11, classroom annotation style.

How it's presented
mode handwriting paper single line g3
Answer criteria
type rubric
criteria
  1. 6 paragraphs total
  2. 2 new paragraphs added (complication-deepening + reflection)
  3. ≥4 different subordinating conjunctions used
  4. ≥2 dialogue exchanges with full mechanics
  5. Abstract noun named motivation
  6. Consistent tense and register
  7. Resolution still settles rather than moralizes
Hints
  1. The second complication should deepen (raise the stakes), not restart.
  2. The reflection paragraph is a NAMED change, not a generic moral.
  3. Map the 4 subordinators onto different paragraphs — don't bunch them.
Misconceptions to watch
  • Second complication starts a new story instead of deepening.
  • Reflection tacks on a moral ('I learned to ___').