Writing Worksheet · Grades 5–7
Writing an Anecdote Worksheet
A printable writing worksheet for grades 5-7 on writing an anecdote: a very short, true story about one moment, used to make a point or grab a reader’s interest at the start of a piece. Students judge eight examples, then write and plan their own anecdotes. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Writing
Grades
Grades 5–7
Skill Focus
Writing an Anecdote, creative writing
Lesson Length
25 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
An anecdote is a very short, true story about one small moment, used to make a point or to hook a reader at the start of an essay or speech. It is not a whole life story – just one quick scene with a beginning, middle, and point, told with a few vivid details. This worksheet teaches students to recognize and write anecdotes.
Section A on page 1 gives eight examples and asks students to mark each anecdote or not (for example, ‘Last summer, I dropped my ice cream and a stranger bought me a new cone’ is an anecdote, while ‘A noun is a person, place, or thing’ is not). The reference box defines an anecdote and contrasts it with facts and opinions, using examples different from the eight Section A items.
Section B on page 2 has students write two short anecdotes, connect one to a main idea, and explain how an anecdote differs from a full personal narrative. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill complements the Personal Narrative and Writing Hooks worksheets.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and share a quick anecdote of your own as a model.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘is this one real moment, or a fact/opinion?’
Have students draft their anecdotes in Section B and share one aloud.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Personal Narrative Worksheet or the Writing Hooks Worksheet for a creative-writing mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Writing an Anecdote Worksheet
A printable writing worksheet for grades 5-7 on writing an anecdote: a very short, true story about one moment, used to make a point or grab a reader’s interest at the start of a piece. Students judge eight examples, then write and plan their own anecdotes. A complete answer key is included.
For Teachers
Teaching this? Here is the full lesson plan
Personal Narrative: Telling One True Moment Well — a complete 50-minute lesson plan for Grades 3-5: objectives, warm-up, direct instruction, guided and independent practice, assessment, and differentiation. Free to read, no sign-in required. This resource is one of the student materials it uses.
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