Read Richard’s personal narrative. Elsie is my best friend. We’ve lived next door to each other since we were babies. Her mom and my mom are best friends. Elsie is the smartest person I know. The way her brain works amazes me. If there’s ever a problem I can’t solve, I go to Elsie for advice. She has helped me to think before I react. She has showed me that there are always more solutions to a problem than I think there are.

What would best improve Richard’s narrative?

background information about his relationship to Elsie
descriptive words that label the qualities of Elsie
an explanation of the effect Elsie has had on his life
strong examples that demonstrate Elsie’s qualities