Earth Changes
Realistic Narrative Prompt​

Review the articles in Earth Changes reading text and Chapter 6, “Rapid Changes on Earth” in our science text.

Your Assignment:
Based on the articles, write an “I survived” narrative incorporating what you have learned about earthquakes, volcanoes OR landslides. Be sure to include domain-specific vocabulary and concepts.
Consider visiting Lauren Tarshis' I Survived webpage for inspiration. When clicking on a book, look to the right and see if there are videos for information. 
The Scholastic website also has an excellent webpage dedicated to the series... click here to visit. 

Interviews with Ms. Tarshis on Scholastic's site can be found here.

Remember that a well-written narrative:

  • has an interesting lead that grabs your readers’ attention
  • has a story arc with beginning, middle and end
  • has a problem/struggle for main character

Be sure to revise and check for:

  • an interesting lead
  • sensory details
  • dialogue that moves your story forward
  • slow down moment
  • vivid words
  • figurative language
  • a powerful ending with feeling

Directions:

  1. Decide what earth change you will survive.
  2. Take notes on what concepts and domain specific vocabulary you will  incorporate in your narrative.
  3. Plan your narrative. (You may choose to make a flee map like you see below.) Look for places to incorporate your research.
  4. Draft your narrative.
  5. Revise your narrative. Remember, writers are never finished! They find ways to make their writing better!
Picture
A flee map, like this one, may help you organize your thoughts and ideas about a beginning, middle, and end of your story. (Click on the drawing to get another copy.)

Grading Rubric
Structure
  • Introduction hooks audience to want to read more
  • Transitions to mark time
  • Meaningful conclusion
  • Paragraphs separate the different parts or times or when new character speaks
  • _____/10

Development
  • Heart of your story - slow down moment
  • Character development and actions
  • Elaboration brings story to life - includes sensory details, figurative language
  • Uses dialogue and inner dialogue to convey emotion and tone of my story
  • Uses a storytelling voice
  • _____/10
Conventions
  • Spelling, punctuation, grammar, complex sentences
  • _____/10


TOTAL _____/30
Click here to view the original assignment page to print up at home. 

Some teasers from the I Survived series: