Read the paragraph from Nick’s personal narrative. Student Work Standing alone in my family’s barn, I thought about how much hard work and time my parents had invested—how much hard work and time we had all invested—in maintaining a fully operational farm. I did not remember a time when my clothes had not reeked of manure or my hair had not held fast to brittle pieces of straw. What would happen if my parents had to sell the farm so we could move closer to my grandparents? Just as I was attempting to imagine a life in the city, a sudden commotion erupted and interrupted my thoughts. With animals squawking and dust flying, I scrambled to pinpoint the source of this unexpected intrusion. In seconds that felt more like minutes, I was successful . . . and I could scarcely believe what my eyes were seeing. Which element of a personal narrative would be best for Nick to include next?
Answer
A
a reflection that includes specific examples of how the experience has changed the writer and an analysis of what made it memorable
B
a precise description of what the writer is witnessing when he says that he “could scarcely believe what [his] eyes were seeing”
C
a detailed paragraph that helps to clearly establish the point of view from which the narrative is being told
D
a line of dialogue in which the narrative’s subject shouts, “Oh my! I can’t believe what my eyes are seeing!”
Explanation
Nick has just built suspense by saying he found the source of the commotion but could scarcely believe what he saw. The next part should reveal what he witnessed, so a precise description of the surprising scene is the best choice. A would repeat his reaction rather than explain what happened, while reflection about the experience’s meaning would fit later.
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