Mystery Locker Journal Prompt
Grade 6 ELL • Narrative Journal Entry
The Mystery of Locker 73
20-Minute Narrative Writing Challenge
Name:
Date:
Period:
Writing Prompt ⏱ 20 Minutes
During passing period, an old locker at the far end of your school hallway that has been locked shut for years suddenly clicks open. Write a story about what you discover inside and what happens next.
Tip: You decide what is inside! It can be mysterious, funny, magical, or completely unexpected.
My Writing Goals Checklist
Check each box as you write and review
1. Clear 3-Part Story
I wrote a beginning (the locker opens), a middle (what happens), and an ending.
2. Sentence Combiners
I joined clauses into compound sentences using and, but, so, or because.
3. Descriptive Details
I added specific adjectives (color, size, feeling, sound) so the reader can picture the scene.
4. Precise Word Choices
I used specific action verbs (noticed, discovered, whispered, grabbed) instead of general words.
Writer's Language Toolkit (Word Bank & Connectors)
🔗 Sentence Connectors
and • but • so • because • when • suddenly • after that
🎨 Descriptive Words
strange • dark • bright • quiet • dusty • nervous • exciting
⚡ Action Verbs
crept • discovered • gasped • stared • grabbed • hurried
Quick Plan (3-Minute Spark Before Writing): Jot your ideas
1. What is inside?
2. What happens next?
3. How does it end?
Grade 6 Narrative Journal Prompt • Expressive Writing Turn to Page 2 to Begin Writing →
Locker 73: My Story
Write continuously for 17-20 minutes. Use your checklist!
20 Min Timer Narrative Goal
My Story Title:
Story Starter Idea: "Locker 73 clicked open. I took a deep breath, looked inside, and..." or start with your own sentence!
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My 2-Minute Writing Self-Reflection
Review your story before turning it in
Beg / Mid / End
and / but / so
Descriptive words
Strong action verbs
One sentence where I connected ideas:
One precise descriptive word I used:
Grade 6 Narrative Journal Entry Page 2 of 2
Mystery Locker Writing Exemplar
Grade 6 ELL • Student Writing Exemplar
Narrative Writing Exemplar
Sample 20-minute journal response answering "The Mystery of Locker 73"
Writing Time: 20 Minutes
Word Count: 128 Words
Meets All Goals
Prompt: During passing period, an old locker that has been locked shut for years suddenly clicks open. Write a story about what you discover inside and what happens next.
Student Journal Entry
"The Secret Camera in Locker 73"
Key: Sentence Combiners Descriptive Details Strong Action Verbs
Yesterday afternoon, I was walking to science class and the hallway was very quiet. I walked past Locker 73, but suddenly I heard a sharp click. The rusty blue door swung open two inches! I felt nervous, so I looked both ways before I pulled the door open.
Inside the locker, there was no dust or old books. Instead, I saw a shiny silver camera and a small red notebook. I grabbed the camera carefully because I wanted to see if it worked. When I pressed the power button, the screen glowed bright green. It showed a photograph of room 12 with the words "Check behind the map" written across the board.
My hands were shaking, but I quickly shoved the camera into my backpack. Then the loud warning bell rang, so I sprinted toward science class before my teacher noticed.
Why This Response Hits All Writing Goals
1 Clear 3-Part Story Structure
Has a distinct beginning (hallway setting and locker clicks), middle (discovering the camera and message), and ending (bell rings and sprinting to class).
2 Sentence Combiners (Clauses)
Combines sentences smoothly using coordinating conjunctions: and, but, so, and because instead of only short, choppy lines.
3 Descriptive Details & Adjectives
Uses sensory descriptions to paint a picture: rusty blue door, shiny silver camera, bright green screen, and loud warning bell.
4 Precise Action Verbs
Replaces common words like "opened" or "ran" with active, precise verbs: swung open, grabbed, shoved, and sprinted.
Teacher Tip: Have students underline the connecting words (and, but, so, because) in this model before they begin drafting their own journal story.
Grade 6 Narrative Writing Model • Aligned to Writing Goals Single Page Reference Sheet
