NARRATIVE WRITING

 A narrative tells or narrates a story or a sequence of events. It may be about something common or uncommon, for example, a strange encounter or events, a sudden catastrophe, a crisis, a conflict, a victory, an exciting adventure or discovery. However, it may be also be about an ordinary experience or the daily routines that can occur in our daily life

Definition

Tips on Writing Narrative

Sense of sight- colourful lights, wide variety of food, lush greeneries, dark stormy, tall, dark and beautiful lady

Sense of smell - smell of coffee brewing, aroma of crisp fried chicken, pungent smell of rotten eggs.

Sense of touch-soft silky material, rough surface, warm pot, hot iron, slimy dirty plates.

Sense of taste-bitter coffee, sweet and savoury puff, hot and spicy chicken, sour grapes

Sense of hearing -blaring of horns, the sound of footsteps, doors creaking, brakes screeching

Tips on Writing Narrative

When you write a narrative, it is important for you to pay attention to the following:

i) Tense ii) Cohesiveness iii) Plot iv) Characterization

Features of Narrative

A narrative usually describes events or happenings in the past. Thus, the Past Tense forms are usually used in narrative writing. Other tenses are also used but not as frequently.

Tense

The flow of the story is important as it sets the mood of the storyline. Events should be arranged logically and systematically. This can be done by using connectors and suitable linkers.

Cohesiveness

Connectors /Conjuctions Functionsa) Nevertheless , however on the other hand

-To show contrast of idea-To join two opposing ideas

b) As well as , besides, both, and not only ,but also

-To combine two ideas that are similar or related

c) In addition, furthermore , moreover

-To introduce new ideas or add extra information.

d) In conclusion, In short, To summarize

-To conclude the story or ideas presented.

The plot is the story’s framework. It is the storyline of, for example, howa character changes or how a mystery is solved or how an enemy isdefeated. To be interesting, a story must have a good plot

Plot

The events in the story usually happens to the main character and how he/she solves a problem or overcomes challenges thrown towards him. Thus, characterization should include the description , the characteristics as well as clear incidents that show his utmost outstanding personality

Characterization

Tips of Narrative Writing

To write a cool attention grabbing narrative essay needs the right spices, just like cooking a Maggie Curry . The first thing about writing narrative essay is creative imagination. You need to be creative and different. Think out of the box and let loose your imagination. See it through like a movie plot before you write down on your paper.

Read The Question Carefully

In SPM public examination, the question for narrative type of essay either starts with " Write a story beginning with: " or " Write a story ending with: ". In the year 2010 it was "Beginning“.

For example, if the question says "Write a story beginning with: It had been raining all day", then you start your essay with the given phrase. The same goes for question which has "Ending with", you write the phrase at the ending of your essay. I prefer the "Beginning" type because it gives you more freedom to create your plot.

Draft Your Plot

For narrative essay use the [PLOT] technique instead of using the [Intro-Body-Conclusion] technique. Draft your plot carefully. Put in some twists and turns in your story. Have an element of surprise. Keep your readers glued to their seat. Build your story scene by scene like in a movie. Give a big impact in your climax scene and let the audience make the conclusion....that would surely cause them to have some sleepless nights itching to know the end......(surprise--surprise)

Literary Devices Use Adjectives, Adverbs, Verbs, Idioms,

Contrast, Flashback, Imagery etc to tell your story. This technique will help readers to have a vivid picture in their mind. Every character or scene you tell can come alive to the readers and help them flow along with the story.

Grammar And Punctuation

Take care of your grammar, make sure to use the correct English Grammar when writing your essay. A strong grammar will help you to relate your story to your readers. Readers need to know what you are telling them. This is only impossible if you are able to use proper grammar and punctuation. Use your tenses properly when dealing with story telling. A story can start in the PRESENT TENSE flashback into the PAST TENSE and zoom into the FUTURE TENSE. There are also the PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST PERFECT tenses which you might need to use.

Creativity And Imagination

Be creative and arrange your story line carefully. Imagine that you are a director directing a movie. As a director you have a responsibility to make sure your movie is a Box Office Hit. The same goes with your story, make sure it is one of a kind story, totally different from the rest of your friends essays. Sorry to say this but most of the essays are stale and does not have the extra edge which screams for attention

Tips* Focus on one event / incident for every paragraph* Don't write two or three events / incidences in one paragraph* Try not to use the phrase "In conclusion" when you end your story.* Make sure your Essay is more than 350 words, roughly 350-400 words* Marks will be deducted if your essay is less than 350 words.

CHARACTER/PROBLEM SOLUTION: Focus on Character Main Character (Hero) struggles, grows, and changes Purpose: to entertain an audience of others

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE STORY: Focus on Experience, Activity, or Setting Follows a beginning, middle, end sequence,

is highly descriptive Purpose: to entertain an audience of other

Success Criteria for Narrative Writing.:.

I will include a beginning, a middle and an ending.I will create a setting by writing about who, what, where and when.I will create a problem. I will solve the problem.I will include details and descriptions.I will write a satisfying ending.

Narrative Writing Checklist Introduction 1. Did you use 2 to 3 sentences to introduce the topic? 2. Did you introduce your topic with supporting

details? 3. Do your supporting details completely relate to the

topic? 4. Is your topic stated clearly? 5. Is your introductory paragraph catchy and does it

engage the reader?

Body 1. Do you have a paragraph for each of your 3-5

details? 2. Is each detail clearly stated at the beginning of

each paragraph? 3. Did you back up each detail with facts? 4. Is it effectively organized? 5. Did you include closing remarks at the end of

each paragraph and lead into the next paragraph?

Conclusion 1. Did you re-state your topic idea? 2. Did you finish with an ending that leaves the reader satisfied? 3. Did you summarize the previous paragraphs? Overall: 1. Is your narrative interesting and well focused? 2. Did you use strong, supporting and relevant details? 3. Do all your paragraphs relate well to your topic? 4. Have you really captured your reader’s interest? 5. Have you left your readers satisfied?