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Narrative (Story) Writing

This document provides guidance on writing a narrative or short story for an exam. It recommends a 5 paragraph structure, with an introduction, 3 body paragraphs covering characterization, plot development and climax, and a conclusion. It provides examples of how to develop setting, characterize characters through dialogue/description, and progress the plot through a rising action and climax. Key advice includes giving characters names, linking paragraphs, avoiding repetition, and editing for spelling/grammar. The word count should be 350-500 words. The purpose is to help students understand the expected components and structure for a short fiction piece.

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95 views

Narrative (Story) Writing

This document provides guidance on writing a narrative or short story for an exam. It recommends a 5 paragraph structure, with an introduction, 3 body paragraphs covering characterization, plot development and climax, and a conclusion. It provides examples of how to develop setting, characterize characters through dialogue/description, and progress the plot through a rising action and climax. Key advice includes giving characters names, linking paragraphs, avoiding repetition, and editing for spelling/grammar. The word count should be 350-500 words. The purpose is to help students understand the expected components and structure for a short fiction piece.

Uploaded by

Test a Quiz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NARRATIVE

(STORY)
WRITING
CAIE code 1123 English
Language
5 paragraphs

Each paragraph 7-8


lines (70-80 words)

An
introdroduction
Structure
The plot

conclusion
Structure

• Paragraph 1: introduction (setting)


• Paragraph 2: characterization (maximum 3 characters)
• Paragraph 3 and 4: rising action, and climax
• Paragraph 5: conclusion
Setting
• Describe the situation
(which has a bearing on
the story)
OR
• Describe the place
(where action is to take
place, or begin)
Setting
• Describe the place or situation where the story begins:
• It was a horrid place: no bed, blanket or heating in an exceptionally cold winter’s night.

• The wretched weather had taken us by surprise, but we were prepared, nevertheless.

• Ahmed’s eyes opened to the light rays of the sun falling on his face, at 6am – it was dawn on
the highlands where he had arrived the night before, for his Spring break.
Characterisation
• Describe a character through dialogues (maximum 4 dialogues)
OR
• Describe a character through action/activity
OR
• Describe a character’s physical features
OR
• Describe a character through the character’s habits or qualities
Characterisation
• Characterisation through dialogues:
• “Come on you nasty little creatures,” The policeman shouted, “Off the streets, and back
home. Now!”

• “How are you, Sir. Please have a seat,” her courteous welcome almost fooled Adams. “Your
neighbours have lodged a complaint against you,” the lady constable stated without further
delay.

• “Have you brushed your hair?” Mom enquired, panicking as always, “Where’s your brother’s
other shoe?” she questioned herself as she pointed at the ‘lost’ shoe, for me to fetch.
Characterisation
• Describing a character through action/activity:
• The attacker sprinted for the exit at remarkable speed, aiming desperately to get away.

• The teacher led by example: picking up the wrappers and stuffing them in his pockets.

• The kid wept, stamped his feet, and threw items around in a tantrum he was well-known for
Characterisation
• Describing a character’s physical features:
• The man displayed his scarred face which, surprisingly enough, made him look a villain out of
the silver screen.

• The lady was six-foot in height, but her bones appeared unclothed of flesh. She was skinny, to
say the least.

• The guy was rather healthy: no one could get their arms round him for a hug; his belly-button
spied through the unbuttoned shirt.
Characterisation
• Describing a character through the character’s habits or qualities:
• He was a kind old man who always carried sweets for the neighbourhood kids AND elders,
too.

• The little girl knew how to make tea AND serve it. In fact, no one made tea better than the
thirteen year old.

• The students sat quietly, anticipating a joke that was delayed in coming from their
mathematics teacher. Mr Ali was a jolly young man of only twenty-six.
The Plot (rising action). For example:

• Police is after you for no due reason: write what has happened, to make you run
OR
• You are a spy and trying not to be caught, as you have gained knowledge of a big
secret: write what is the big secret and how you found it
OR
• Your group is planning a surprise for a teacher at school, and so you don’t want anyone
to know of your intentions: write why you are planning this, and what the plan is
OR
• You are planning an aniversary surprise for your parents’ 25th aniversary, and so you
don’t want the relatives at a tea-party to overhear your plans: write why the family is
gathered at the tea-party, and how you got the idea
The Plot (climax)

• A twist, turn of events in the story

• You succeed when all was against you: write how

• You are not successful despite all being in your favour: write why, what happened
Conclusion

• Write about your gains as a result of your success

• Write about what has happened due to your failure


Remember
• Give names to your characters
• Name the place(s)
• There should be a link between your paragraphs
• Avoid repetition of words and phrases, or ideas
• Take care of grammar and spelling, as well as presentation which can be penalised
• Once written, reread and remove any errors
• When graded, read eachother’s narratives, especially those with the highest grades
• For creative writing, the word limit is always 350 to 500 words
• You MAY use any idea that’s not discussed here, but ensure you don’t wonder away from the actual topic/task
• Before you begin, you need to be clear about what you’re going to write

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