Grade 8: Personal Narrative

If the people or the events seem vague, try these ideas.

Add sensory details. Tell what you saw, heard, tasted, felt, or smelled.

Uncle Will spoke up at the town meeting. His low-pitched, slow-paced voice made everyone fall silent. You could hear the clock ticking in the old gym and the curtains shifting in the breeze.

Add dialogue to show a person's personality and to help tell what is happening.

“What I think about adding a skating rink…,” said Uncle Will. Then after a pause, he continued, “What I think is our town's kids deserve better winter recreation. We'd be miserly if we said no.”

Mention your own thoughts and emotions.

I felt proud when I heard Uncle Will speak up to support us. It was hard for us kids to address the town meeting, but he made it easier.

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