Sample Compositions
Narrative composition Question: Write a story ending with the following sentence: It was so good to be on dry land.
Story plan Characters
Jake and friend
Setting
Canoeing trip – on the river
Introduction
Sea Scout training Bad rain, river swells Jake rescues his friend
Problem
Events
Resolution
Both are rescued by the Scout leader
We were going to spend the day canoeing down the river with the Sea Scouts. There were a dozen of us altogether. My best friend, Jake, and I were together in one canoe. The river was quite high but we all had life jackets. As we paddled along, Mr. Harding pointed out iguanas and toucans and herons. Suddenly, the clouds came over and rain began beating down. We could see the river rising up the bank. I never knew that a river could swell so quickly. “Get to the bank!” called Mr. Harding. We saw the other canoes pulling over but however hard we paddled we couldn’t steer in that direction. We were heading away from them, fast. Then, without warning, we capsized. I grabbed the canoe but saw Jake being swept away. “Catch the paddle!” I yelled, reaching out my other arm with the paddle in it. Jake grabbed the end of the paddle and hung on. We were still being swept along but, luckily, we were now heading toward the bank. There was Mr. Harding. He had run along the bank and was tying a rope around a tree. Then he tied the other end around his own waist and waded into the water. I let go of the canoe and prayed that I would be able to catch his outstretched hand. A moment later, Mr. Harding dragged us both onto the bank where we lay panting. It was so good to be on dry land.
Characters
Setting
Problem
New paragraphs
Resolution
Conclusion
• Encourage students to always make a story plan. It will help to make sure that they include all the elements of a story in the correct order. This will make their story more satisfying to read. Tell students that it is fine to change the details as they write if they get new ideas.
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