NARRATIVE TEXTS

EVAU

How to Write

A Narrative text

Start

Index

2.2. Main body

1. Definition

START

2.3. Conclusion

2. Structure

2.1. Introduction

3. Writing Techniques

1. What is a narrative?

A narrative can be written in the first or third person and describes a series of events, either imaginary or based on your own experience.

2. structure

Conclusion

Main Body

Introduction

2nd

4rd

1st

Paragraph

Paragraph

Paragraph

3rd

Paragraph

2.1. Introduction

You set the scene in an interesting way to catch the reader's attention and make them want to continue reading your story.

"It was a damp, chilly night when Caroline and I eventually left the library. As soon as I stepped outside I shivered, feeling that something strange was about to happen."

include: - who - when - where - What

TECHNIQUES TO BEGIN YOUR STORY

You can start your story by:

a) Using your senses to set the scene and describe the weather, atmosphere, surroundings or people's actions to create mystery or suspense.

b) Using direct speech.

c) Asking a rhetorical question.

d) Referring to your feelings or mood.

2.2. Main Body

Two paragraphs where you develop your story, presenting the events in the order they happened. You should never start writing without having the main events of the story.

2.3. Conclusion

"Relieved to be back home, I lit the fire while Joanne unpacked our things. Without having to say anything, we both understood what the other was thinking. There's no place like home, don't you agree?"

Include what happened at the end of the story, as well as people's feelings, final comments or reactions. A surprising ending makes a long-lasting impression on the reader.

TECHNIQUES TO end YOUR STORY

You can end your story by:

a) Using people's feelings about or final reactions to the events developed in the main body.

b) Using direct speech.

c) Asking a rhetorical question.

d) Referring to your feelings or mood.

3. Writing Techniques I

USE a variety of PAST TENSES: PAST CONTINUOUS: to set the scene e.g. It was raining and the wind was blowing hard as Jonathan drove towards the cottage. PAST SIMPLE: to talk about actions that happened one after the other. e.g. Jonathan went through the garden and knocked on the front door but there was no answer. PAST PERFECT: to provide the background of the story. e.g. Jonathan had been planning to visit the old cottage for months.

Writing Techniques II

AVOID simplistic adverbs and adjectives (nice, good, well, etc.) USE sophisticated ones: Adjectives: fabulous, wicked, enormous, attractive, pleasant, delightful, splendid, slight, evil, disgusting, massive, etc. Adverbs: highly, happily, extremely, remarkably, absolutely, entirely, thoroughly, nervously, patiently, etc. AVOID using "said" all the time with direct speech. USE a variety of verbs such as wondered, murmured, whispered, screamed, etc. e.g. "Help!" he screamed.

Writing Techniques III

USE similes for your descriptive passages. e.g. She ran like the wind. He was quiet as a mouse. The kid was as white as a sheet. They were shaking like a leaf. My sister was as busy as a bee. I slept like a log. USE present or past participles to join two simple sentences into a longer sentence. e.g. Instead of He turned on the light. He saw someone in the room. You can write Turning on the light, he saw someone in the room. e.g. Instead of She was relieved. She left the train station. You can write Relieved, she left the police station.

more similes

Writing Techniques IV

USE a variety of linking words and time connectors: e.g. Unfortunately, luckily, to my surprise, suddenly, etc. e.g. At first, then, after that, as soon as, a few minutes later, eventually, etc.

And that's it!