MODEL THE WRITING PROCESS
Create a Strong Ending for Your Realistic Fiction
1. Focus
Objectives
Explain Strong Endings
In this mini-lesson, students will:
Say: Have you ever enjoyed reading a story most of the way through—only to
find the ending was a let-down? The ending of a story can make a big difference
to the reader. A strong ending leaves the reader feeling satisfied. A weak ending
can spoil a story that has held the reader’s interest up until then. Today we’ll
think about what makes a good ending. I’ll give you some tips on different kinds
of strong endings for your realistic fiction.
• Learn the importance of a strong
ending in a realistic story.
• Learn and discuss five types of
strong endings.
• Practice writing strong endings.
Model Strong Endings
Preparation
Display the sample text on chart paper or using the interactive whiteboard
resources.
Materials Needed
• Chart paper and markers
Say: Listen as I read two different endings to the same story.
• Strong Endings (BLM 5)
• Interactive whiteboard resources
“You mean I can keep him?”
Advanced Preparation
If you will not be using the interactive
whiteboard resources, copy the
modeling text on chart paper. If
necessary, copy the sentence frames
from “Strategies to Support ELs” on
chart paper.
“Yes, Jamal,” Ms. Tilly said softly. Then in her usual volume she blasted,
“Now get this mess cleaned up!”
The kids herded Buff back to the basement. “I’m so glad I can keep Buff,”
Jamal said.
“You mean I can keep him?”
“Yes, Jamal,” Ms. Tilly said softly. Then in her usual volume she blasted,
“Now get this mess cleaned up!”
The kids herded Buff back to the basement. “This has taught me that
even the scariest creature may have a secret soft side,” said Jamal.
“Yeah,” Luke agreed. “Buff is a cool dog.”
“I don’t mean Buff,” said Jamal. “I mean Ms. Tilly!”
Modeling Text
Ask: Which ending did you like best? Allow responses.
Say: Both versions have a happy ending. The first ending, though, sounds flat. It
is not all that interesting. The second ending, however, makes me laugh. This is
because of how Jamal refers to Ms. Tilly—as a scary creature. Luke thinks Jamal
is referring to the dog, so it’s funny when Jamal finishes with the punch line that
he means Ms. Tilly. This ending is realistic, it’s funny, and the main character
learns something from what happens. We enjoy being reminded that people are
not always the way they seem.
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Benchmark Writer’s Workshop • Grade 3 • Realistic Fiction • ©2012 Benchmark Education Company, LLC
Realistic Fiction
Distribute BLM 5 to students. You may also wish to display it using the interactive
whiteboard resources. Say: Let’s read other ways the writer might have ended
the story. Let’s think about what makes each ending a strong one.
Ending
Type
Why is it strong?
“I don’t mean Buff,” said
Jamal. “I mean Ms. Tilly!”
Humorous
Twist
Reader doesn’t expect the ending. Ending
is funny.
Jamal took Buff up to his
apartment, where Buff curled
up next to him to watch TV.
Action
The writer uses an action that leaves the
reader with a strong image.
Jamal was so happy that he
almost lost his cool and gave
Ms. Tilly a big hug.
Feeling
The writer draws the reader into Jamal’s
emotion.
Maybe the next time you meet
a scary creature, you’ll look for
the soft side.
Opinion
The writer expresses an opinion. Writer
makes the point of the story more personal
by talking directly to the reader.
Buff was his! Now where could
he find a dog bed as big as a
refrigerator?
New Problem
The suggestion of a new problem leaves
the reader wanting more.
Sample Strong Endings Chart (BLM 5)
3. Independent Writing
and Conferring
Say: We just learned that strong endings
are important to a story. A good ending
leaves the reader feeling satisfied. As you
draft your realistic fiction, think about
what your ending will be and how you will
bring your story to a satisfying conclusion.
Encourage students to apply the strategy of
writing strong endings during independent
writing time, as appropriate. During
student conferences, reinforce students’
use of this and other strategies using the
prompts on your conferring flip chart.
2. Rehearse
4. Share
Practice Writing Strong Endings
Invite students to work in small groups to discuss each ending and decide
whether they think it’s a good ending or not. Ask them to jot down their ideas on
the BLM. Challenge groups to choose their favorite type of ending and write a
new ending.
Bring students together. Invite a few
students who have composed strong story
endings to read them aloud to the rest of
the class. Discuss what makes the endings
strong.
Share and Discuss Strong Endings
Bring groups together and invite them to share their ideas about the endings.
Record their ideas on chart paper or using the interactive whiteboard resources.
Ask volunteers to share their story endings. Discuss with the class why the new
endings are strong or weak.
Strategies to Support ELs
Beginning
Intermediate and Advanced
Invite beginning ELs to draw a picture of the ending of a realistic
story they are working on. Then encourage them to tell you about
their ending in whatever language they can.
Provide simple sentence frames to help students explore different
ways to write endings. For example:
The ending is ______.
This ending is good because ______.
©2012 Benchmark Education Company, LLC • Benchmark Writer’s Workshop • Grade 3 • Realistic Fiction 23