Success TutoringWorksheets
Writing Prompt3rd GradeLevel 1 · Easier

Free 3rd Grade The Door in the Tree — Narrative Writing

A test-style narrative prompt: a small door appears in the trunk of a tree. Students plan the orientation, complication and resolution, then write a complete story. The prompt lists the features of a narrative and the success criteria mirror what markers look for in 3rd grade.

Instant download · No sign-up · Free for personal, classroom and homeschool use

Grade
3rd Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Narrative Writing
Difficulty
Level 1 · Easier
Estimated time
35 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
6
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4) + print

Students will practice

  • structuring a narrative with orientation, complication and resolution
  • developing a character and setting
  • using dialogue with quotation marks
  • choosing interesting verbs and adjectives

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: The Door in the Tree — Narrative Writing

  1. 1A Letter About a Field Trip to the Capitol — Friendly Letter
  2. 2Show, Don't Tell: Describing Feelings in Stories
  3. 3Problem and Resolution: Writing the Middle and End of a Story
  4. 4Should Every Classroom Have a Pet? — Persuasive Writing

How to use this writing prompt

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this writing prompt for?

3rd Grade students (typically ages 8–9) working on narrative writing. It is pitched at level 1 · easier.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 35 minutes for 6 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try A Letter About a Field Trip to the Capitol — Friendly Letter.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets3rd Grade · English · Narrative Writing

The Door in the Tree — Narrative Writing

Name

Date

Plan for five minutes, write for twenty-five minutes, then spend five minutes checking your work.

Plan

Answer each question briefly. Your plan should take about five minutes.

1.Who is your main character? Add one detail about them. (answer space)
2.Describe the door and the tree in a few words. (answer space)
3.What is on the other side of the door? (answer space)
4.What goes wrong? (the complication) (answer space)
5.How does it end? (the resolution) (answer space)

Write

6.Write your story. Give it a title. Use your plan, and remember to include an orientation, a complication and a resolution.
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

More 3rd Grade narrative writing resources

  • Writing Prompt

    A Letter About a Field Trip to the Capitol — Friendly Letter

    A friendly letter prompt for 3rd graders: students imagine their class has just visited the Texas State Capitol in Austin and write a…

    Difficulty
    Level 1 · Easier
    Time
    35 min
    Questions
    8 questions
    Answers
    Answers included
  • Worksheet

    Show, Don't Tell: Describing Feelings in Stories

    Instead of telling the reader that a character is scared, good writers show it through what the character does, says and how their body…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    25 min
    Questions
    14 questions
    Answers
    Answers included
  • Worksheet

    Problem and Resolution: Writing the Middle and End of a Story

    Every good story has a problem (sometimes called a complication) that the character must solve, and a resolution where it is fixed.…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    30 min
    Questions
    10 questions
    Answers
    Answers included

Narrative Writing in other year levels

Was this resource helpful?

About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

Free to print and share for personal, classroom and homeschool use. Please don't resell. Spotted an error? Let us know.