Grade 6: Personal Narrative

If your story sounds vague or dull, try these ideas.

Add sensory details. What did you see, hear, taste, feel, or smell?

Few details: The morning hike was kind of nice.

With sensory details: The salt air tickled my nose as we began our seaside hike. The thud of the surf and a seagull's cry greeted us as we padded along the hard, wet sand.

Give details about what people did.

Few details: Tom went ahead of me and everyone else.

With action details: Tom sprinted ahead of Alice, Jeff, and me, hoping to find the entrance to the cave first.

Give details about what people said.

Few details: Mr. Lee said we should start raising money immediately.

With dialogue: Mr. Lee spoke eagerly to our club. “If you start now,” he said, leaning on the desk, “you can raise enough money for a trip to Los Angeles.”

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