Directions: For this portfolio you will be writing your own narrative (real or imagined). It must be on one of the 4 topic choices listed below:
Topic Choices:
A challenge faced by a student athlete
How some hikers dealt with an unexpected storm
A child from a small village or town experiencing a large city for the first time
How a teenager got his town or community to do something important
Portfolio Requirements:
Must be about 1 of the 4 topics listed above
Your narrative must be your own words & ideas, 100% original
Your narrative must be at least 400 words
Your narrative must include dialogue. Click here to see how to include dialogue
Your narrative must have a clear organization, starting with the exposition & ending with a resolution. It should follow the elements of a plot diagram. Click here to access a Plot Diagram to help you organize your story in your prewriting.
Your narrative must be submitted in MLA format
You must submit your narrative to the Paper Review Center & provide their feedback along with your updated Narrative (showing that you utilized their feedback) in the dropbox. Click here to watch a video on how to submit to the Paper Review Center. Click here to read how to download their feedback.
You will be graded using the rubric on the next page (also linked here)
Resources to help you plan & draft your narrative:
Narrative Organizer- this includes places for characters, dialogue, & more
Narrative Transitions- this will help you with sequencing, organization, & flow
Narrative Writing Checklist- a good tool to use before submitting your final copy
Narrative Writing Example- an example of narrative writing that includes dialogue & is in MLA format
My narrative will be about a challenge faced by a student athlete. I have always been passionate about sports, especially soccer. I have been playing since I was a young child and have always dreamed of playing at the college level. However, one particular challenge I faced during my high school years truly tested my dedication and perseverance as a student athlete.
It was my senior year and our soccer team had made it to the state championship. We had worked tirelessly all season to get to this point and the excitement was palpable among the team. However, just days before the big game, I suffered a major injury during practice. I sprained my ankle badly and was told by the doctors that I would not be able to play in the championship game.
I was devastated. Soccer was not just a sport to me, it was a huge part of my identity and losing the opportunity to play in the championship felt like a gut punch. My teammates were supportive and understanding, but I could see the disappointment in their eyes. I knew I had to find a way to contribute to the team, even off the field.
As the days passed and the championship game drew closer, I had an idea. I decided to take on the role of assistant coach for the team. I studied the opposing team's strategy, analyzed game footage, and devised a game plan with our head coach. I was on the sidelines during the game, shouting out instructions and cheering on my teammates with all my heart.
Despite not being able to physically play in the game, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment watching my team fight for the championship. In the end, we won the game and I was able to celebrate with my teammates, knowing that I had played a crucial role in their victory.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about perseverance and determination. Even when faced with a major setback, I was able to overcome it and find a way to contribute in a meaningful way. It strengthened my passion for soccer and solidified my desire to continue playing at the college level.
Overall, this challenge as a student athlete was a defining moment in my life and has shaped me into the dedicated and resilient individual that I am today.