Narrative Writing

What is narrative writing?We use narrative writing to tell stories, recount events and describe things which happen. Narrative writing uses verbs and sequence words (e.g. while, when, then, next, before, after) to show chronological order.

Usage of Narrative Writing

Narrative events

Narrative writing is usually can be found in stories and blog entries.We can use the simple past tense, the past continuous tense and adverbs of manner to narrate events. Please use 2 minutes to read the blog entry in P.52

The Simple Past Tense

1 The simple past tense is formed by adding –ed to regular verbs (e.g. play→played). When a verb ends in –e, we add –d to form the simple past tense (e.g. score→scored).

2 With irregular verbs, there are no rules to follow. Some irregular verbs stay the same in the past tense (e.g. put →put); other change (e.g. feel →felt).

3 We use the simple past tense to talk about actions and events that started and ended in the past. We use it to talk about events that started and ended in the past. We use it to talk about events that make up the ‘plot’ of a story or report.

e.g. Last night, I went to see the Tigers play at the Bauhinia Stadium.

The Past Continuous tense1 The past continuous tense is formed by using was/were + present participle. e.g. I was feeling excited. He/She/It was waiting. You/We/They were shouting.

2 We use the past continuous tense to talk about ongoing actions in the past that were interrupted by another action or event.

e.g. The Tigers were playing well until Hodge imjured himself in the third quarter.

3 We also use the past continuous tense to describe the background or setting of a story or report.

e.g. The crowd was waiting. The clock was ticking. The players were looking impatient. The atmosphere was becoming tense.

Adverbs of manner1 We use adverbs of manner to describe actions and events. They add detail to descriptions by showing the reader how something happens.e.g. The Tiger were playing well.

2 We can place adverbs of manner: ‧after the main verb or after the object. Julius Hodge played brilliantly. Julius Hodge played basketball brilliantly.

‧either after the object or before the preposition (e.g. at, towards, from) in the structure verb + preposition + object. The Tigers’ coach started looking at the clock nervously. The Tigers’ coach started looking nervously at the clock.

Narrative Writing (Quiz)A quiz that tests your knowledge of the construction and techniques used in narrative writing or story telling.

Q1What is the function of the opening of a narrative?A ExpositionB IntroductionC PersuasionAns: AAn opening paragraph or chapter gives exposition to the characters , theme and plot in a narrative text or story.

Q2What is essential in an effective narrative?A ThemesB SettingC Character creationAns: CInteresting and well defined characters make an interesting and exciting narrative.

Q3A sense of place is created in a narrative by......?A CharactersB ThemesC SettingAns: CA well created setting lends interest and atmosphere to a narrative.

Q4Descriptive passages in a narrative text are created using.....?A LanguageB Imagery and adjectivesC VerbsAns: BGood descriptive writing draws the reader in with unusual and graphic images and adjectives.

Q5A good plot in a narrative has to have a ....... to make it interesting?A ComplicationB ResolutionC CharacterAns: AA complication in the plot of a story or film keeps the reader/audience's attention. The reader is then anxious to find out how the complication is resolved.

Q6A complication in the plot creates what in the plot?A ThemesB ClimaxC TensionAns: CThe creation of tension in a plot leads to excitement in the reader and keeps the reader interested in the plot.

Q7Suspense and Tension usually come to a ........A EndB ClimaxC ResolutionAns: BAn explosive and dramatic end of tension is referred to as a climax in the plot.

Q8What is the end of the narrative?A Last chapterB ConclusionC ResolutionAns: CAn unexpected or satisfying resolution marks the end of a good narrative.

Q9One way to keep events in order when you write a narrative is to ____________.A write about a real-life eventB use consistent verb tensesC look in a family scrapbook for story ideasD choose an interesting place to write aboutAns: B

Q10Narratives are often organized by ________________.A time orderB place orderC character orderD alphabetical orderAns: A

The End