Narrative Writing

Writing a Personal Chronological Narrative

Narrative Writing Attributes

covers an event in the writer’s life can contain personal comments and

ideas a description of the event

Narrative Writing Elements Character – a person or something a personified

animal or object Plot – the sequence of events showing character and

action Setting – the time and place in which the depiction of

characters and working out of the plot occur Point of view – the viewpoint from which the story is

told ( can be a character or an objective observer) Style – how an author says something as opposed to

what he or she says ( the best possible words for a particular story)

Theme – the idea that pervades and gives universality to the action

Tone – how the author feels about his or her subject

Example

Topics for Narrative Writing

Tell about a time you were afraid.

Prompt: Tell about a time you were afraid.

Brainstorm – What do you remember about the event? Think about where you were. Think about three things that made you afraid.

Sequence for Writing Use the Flow map

to construct the sequence of the three most important things you did.

Write an opening sentence that tells who, did what, when, where, and why.

Extend with Details Can you tell the

reader more about each of the events you are going to write about. Add the details to your Flow Map.

Think Aloud

Get together with a partner and talk thought your story up to this point.

Select Transition Words of Logic Decide on good

words and phrases that could be used to move your reader from one example (step) to the next. Write these words or phrases on top of the boxes of the Flow map.

Closing Paragraph Add a closing

sentence that tells how you felt, your opinion, what you hope, why you will never forget the this event, etc.

Orally Rehearse Using the Flow Map

Get together with two or three other students. Use your Flow Map to tell them what you are going to write.

Draft/Write

Write your story by taking your information off the Flow Map.

Revise/Edit

Revise and edit your “Personal Chronological Narrative” piece. Your writing should:

Target a specific audience and purpose. Organize clear ideas into a meaningful

sequence. Be written in appropriate format. Be edited for spelling, grammar,

punctuation, and capitalization.

Publish

Remember that published is “perfect”.

Rewrite your final copy in your best handwriting.

Pay attention to conventions.