Narrative Writing

Think and ShareWhat are some examples of narrative writing?

What are strategies that writers use in a narrative? What strategies do you use?

Why might a person choose to write a narrative?

*Be ready to share with the class!

What is Narrative Writing?● A narrative is a story containing specific

elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader.

● This type of writing makes the reader feel as if he or she were part of the story, as if it was being told directly to him or her.

Writing a Narrative➔The first important thing to remember about a

narrative essay is that it tells a story. The author may write about: ◆ an experience or event from his or her past

◆ a recent or an ongoing experience or event

◆ something that happened to somebody else, such as a parent or a grandparent

Writing a Narrative: PLOT

●Remember the Elements of Fiction

●Narratives should an have exposition, rising action, climax, falling action & resolution

●Narratives need a compelling conflict

Writing a Narrative: Characters

•Characters, real or imaginative, should be brought to life through the narrative.

•If a character is not described well, the story will not be believable.

Writing a Narrative➔A narrative takes a moment and completely

EXPANDS it. ZOOM in on ONE moment. ◆ Show, DO NOT tell!!◆ Don’t be obvious!!!

➔Examples?

Writing a Narrative➔The writing in a narrative essay should be

lively and interesting. ➔Engage the reader's interest by adding

details or personal observations. ➔Use descriptive language (verbs, adjectives,

and adverbs)

Strategies for Narrative Writing

1. MAGIC THREE: Three groups of words, usually separated by commas, that create a poetic rhythm or add support for a point

◆ex: My dog was my best friend, my partner-in-crime, my companion.ex: I love food. I love to eat food, to cook food, and to learn about food.Note: When using “threes”, the words stay consistent within the list (e.g. “my” “to”)

Strategies for Narrative Writing

2. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE: Comparisons, word choice, and strategies that add “spice” to writing by painting a vivid picture for the reader

◆metaphors, similes, personification, imagery◆ex: He was pacing the room, as if waiting for

the President.◆ex: The wind slapped her cheek as she ran

through the empty park.

Strategies for Narrative Writing

3. SPECIFIC DETAILS for EFFECT: Instead of general, vague descriptions, specific sensory details help the reader visualize the person, place, or thing you are describing

◆ appeal to the senses◆ be as specific as possible within the moment

4. REPETITION for EFFECT: Repeat specifically chosen word/phrases to make a point, stress certain ideas for the readers

◆ ex: The rain poured. The rain drenched. The rain destroyed.

Strategies for Narrative Writing

5. EXPANDED MOMENT: Instead of “speeding” past a moment, emphasize and expand upon a specific action.

◆Ex: Instead of discussing the first day of school, focus on the action of the very first period of the day

6. HUMOR: Laughter is powerful, even if subtle

◆Don’t force it

Strategies for Narrative Writing

7.HYPHENATED MODIFIERS: hyphenated words often cause the reader to take notice

ex: Sally, the girl-wh0-must-always-be-correct, kept trying to show off in class.ex: Voldemort=He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

8.FULL-CIRCLE ENDING: Wrap-up endings; close by repeating a phrase or anecdote you began with

Narrative Writing: Style

● The figurative language (similes, metaphors, etc.), sensory imagery, vivid verbs, strong sentences, dialogue, and point of view that makes each author unique.

● Every student has his/her own style and technique. Although we have the same topic, everyone will write differently.

● You still need to follow the rules of writing: spelling, capitalization, grammar, punctuation!!

Let’s Practice!Finish one of the following sentences and create a mini-narrative:1.I fell asleep on the bus ride home. When I woke up....

2.Even though the sky was dark and cloudy, I decided to…

3.I knew I would probably be grounded, so I...