Upload your Writing a Narrative Portfolio. Remember to include the following items: The final draft of your original narrative essay To help you do your best, use the rubric to see how you will be graded. Writing a Narrative Portfolio Rubric (20 points)

Narrative Essay: "Lost and Found"

I had always been a forgetful person. Misplacing my keys, my phone, my wallet – it was a daily struggle for me. But losing something much more valuable than material possessions was something I never thought would happen.

It was a crisp fall morning when I realized I had lost something irreplaceable – my grandmother's necklace. The necklace was a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. Each delicate pearl held a precious memory, a story of love and laughter.

I frantically searched through my room, tearing apart drawers and closets in desperation. But the necklace was nowhere to be found. I retraced my steps from the day before, trying to remember where I had last seen it. Panic set in as I realized it could be anywhere – lost forever.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about how much the necklace meant to me. It was a connection to my grandmother, who had passed away when I was just a child. Every time I wore it, I felt her presence near me, guiding me through life's struggles.

I could feel the weight of my mistake, the heaviness of my carelessness. How could I have been so irresponsible with something so precious?

Days turned into weeks, and still, the necklace remained missing. I searched high and low, asked friends and family if they had seen it, but it was as if the necklace had disappeared into thin air.

Just when I had lost all hope, a miracle happened. I received a call from a kind stranger who had found the necklace lying on a park bench. My heart leaped with joy as I rushed to retrieve it, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as I held it in my hands once again.

I learned a valuable lesson that day – the importance of cherishing the things we hold dear, of being mindful and present in every moment. The necklace may just be a piece of jewelry to some, but to me, it was a symbol of love, family, and connection.

As I fastened the necklace around my neck, I made a promise to myself to never take it for granted again. And with each pearl that shimmered in the light, I felt my grandmother's spirit smiling down on me, guiding me with her wisdom and love.

Rubric:

- Creativity and Originality (5 points): The narrative essay demonstrates creativity and originality in the storytelling and the theme of the piece.
- Structure and Organization (5 points): The narrative essay has a clear structure and organization, with a strong introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Descriptive Language and Imagery (5 points): The narrative essay uses descriptive language and imagery to engage the reader and create a vivid picture of the events and emotions.
- Character Development (5 points): The narrative essay shows strong character development, with the protagonist experiencing growth or change throughout the story.
- Total: 20 points