Writing a Narrative

Fictional or Non-fictional

What is a Narrative?

» A Narrative is prose that:• Tells a story about a real or fictional

event• Develops a plot with a beginning, middle

and end• Develops a setting (time AND place) • Develops characters that the reader can

relate to

What else does it include?

• Uses strategies such as action, descriptive details, dialogue, figurative language and imagery that enhances the overall experience for the reader

• Uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and grammar

How do I write a narrative

What steps can I take to write an effective narrative?

Stage 1:Prewriting activities for your narrative

1. Decide on your topic or story line concept2. Create a conflict3. Set the scene4. Plan a whole set of complications5. Determine the climax6. What will the resolution be?

Stage 2:Write Your first draftWrite your story following your pre-writing outline or graphic organizer. Be sure to develop your characters, plot and setting, use vivid verbs and descriptive language and complete sentences paragraphing as needed.

Stage 3:Revise your narrative

Revising is not editing! It is making changes that will

enhance and clarify your story.

Stage 3, cont.:Revise your narrative

» Questions to ask while reading through a story to revise:

• Did you start with a “grabber?”• Are your characters and setting interesting?• Do your characters and setting contribute to the

enhancement of your story?• Does your dialogue contribute to the story?

Stage 3, cont.:Revise your narrative» Questions to ask while reading through a story to

revise:• Do your sentences flow well?• Do you use transitional words and phrases that

connect ideas and events well?• Do you have paragraph breaks?

Stage 3. cont.:Revise your narrative

» Questions to ask while reading through a story to revise:

• Do you need to clarify anything?• Did you tie up all your loose ends

in the resolution?• Are you completely satisfied with

your story and proud of it?

Stage 4Editing and Publishing

» Proof read your final copy for any typos (typographical errors). Your final story should have no spelling or grammatical errors.

» Use the following chart as standard editing marks:

Stage 4, cont.Editing marks

• Three underlines – capital• p. -- Punctuation• ∧ -- Insert word or words here• sp – Check spelling• / -- lower case level (slash through the letter)• frag. -- sentence fragment• RO – run-on sentence• n.c. – not clear• This is wrong

Now publish your paper

Put your narrative in a professional presentation format and turn it in for a

grade

Publisher

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