Alternate Ending

This creative writing worksheet helps students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 explore narrative structure, theme, character motivation, point of view, symbolism, and moral reasoning by rewriting the ending of A Good Man Is Hard to Find. Through guided prompts and open-ended writing, learners analyze how changes in plot and character choices affect tone, meaning, and thematic interpretation in a complex literary text.

Instructional Objectives

• Narrative Writing Practice (Grades 8-10): Students compose a coherent alternate ending that demonstrates plot development, pacing, and resolution.
• Literary Analysis & Theme: Learners reflect on fate, morality, violence, and grace by considering how different outcomes reshape the story’s message.
• Character Motivation & Voice: Writers maintain consistent characterization while imagining new decisions or actions.
• Critical Thinking & Interpretation: Students evaluate how authorial choices influence reader understanding and emotional impact.

Classroom & Home Use

• Teacher-Created Resource: Designed by educators with middle and high school literature standards in mind.
• Flexible Implementation: Suitable for classwork, homework, enrichment activities, or creative assessment.
• Supports Diverse Learners: Open-ended prompts allow for varied responses and differentiation.
• No-Prep Friendly: Easy to print and assign with minimal setup for busy teachers and homeschool parents.

This alternate ending worksheet encourages students to deepen their understanding of narrative composition, literary themes, character development, and moral reflection through creative writing. By reimagining the conclusion, learners practice analytical reading, thoughtful interpretation, and expressive storytelling. It’s an engaging, discussion-worthy activity that works equally well in classroom lessons or homeschool literature studies, supporting meaningful engagement with a classic short story.

This worksheet is part of our A Good Man is Hard to Find collection.