5.1.2

Narrative Writing

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Section B: Narrative Writing

A narrative piece follows a story line – it has action and tells the reader about some sort of experience that happened (either real or fake). Here are some tips for writing a narrative piece:

Use a range of language devices

Use a range of language devices

  • Language devices play a key role in creative writing. Using a variety of the language devices covered in the 'Key Terms' section can help you to:
    • Make your writing more interesting.
    • Engage the reader in your story or help them to visualise your description.
    • Help you to build up the image/experience you have in your own head.
  • We will recap these language devices in the 'Checklist of Techniques' section.
Identify the part of the narrative

Identify the part of the narrative

  • Remember that many different parts make up a narrative piece (e.g. an opening, a climax, an ending etc.). You may only be asked to write about a part of a narrative story.
    • If the question asks you to write an opening, focus on introducing the characters and settings instead of including lots of action. You are NOT being asked to write a complete story.
Show, don't tell

Show, don't tell

  • Many students make the mistake of 'telling' the reader something rather than 'showing' it to the reader. Showing, rather than telling, makes narrative writing far more impactful.
Show, don't tell - example

Show, don't tell - example

  • Here is a writer 'telling' the reader about an alcoholic:
    • Lucy was desperately searching for more wine. Her withdrawal symptoms were driving her crazy.
  • The description is grammatically correct, but dull.
  • Here is a writer 'showing' the reader an alcoholic:
    • Her head was rattling; mirroring her quaking limbs. Her eyes darted to and fro as the sweat trickled down her forehead. Her tongue craved a trickle of liquid salvation.
  • This description creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Create the right tone

Create the right tone

  • The tone of your writing is very important. The tone is the writer's feelings towards what they are describing.
  • To create the right tone:
    • Choose words carefully - using positive adjectives will help to create a light-hearted feel. Using negative/aggressive adjectives will help to create a foreboding atmosphere.
    • Use varied sentences - using short, simple sentences will help to create suspense and quicken the pace. Using long, complex sentences will slow the pace and create a relaxed feel.
Jump to other topics
1

Key Terms

1.1

Key Terms

1.1.1Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences1.1.2Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types1.1.3Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language1.1.4Key Terms - Types of Language1.1.5Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood1.1.6Key Terms - Mood & Feelings1.1.7Key Terms - Other Techniques1.1.8End of Topic Test - Key Terms
2

Language Devices

2.1

Language Devices

2.1.1Metaphors2.1.2Similes2.1.3Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning2.1.4Personification2.1.5Pathetic Fallacy2.1.6Puns & Oxymorons2.1.7Hyperbole & Emotive Language2.1.8Alliteration2.1.9Sibilance2.1.10Onomatopoeia2.1.11Recap: Language Devices2.1.12End of Topic Test - Language Devices
3

Writing Structure

3.1

Writing Structure

3.1.1Narrators3.1.2Paragraphs3.1.3Tense3.1.4Present vs Past vs Future Tense3.1.5Foreshadowing3.1.6Structure3.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Structure
4

Section B: Reading & Writing

4.1

Writing Formats

4.1.1Letter4.1.2Reports & Essays4.1.3Journal/Diary Entry4.1.4Speech4.1.5Newspaper Article4.1.6Leaflet4.1.7Review4.1.8Travel Writing4.1.9End of Topic Test - Writing Formats
4.2

Writing to...

4.2.1Writing to Inform4.2.2Writing to Inform - Example4.2.3Writing to Explain4.2.4Writing to Explain - Example4.2.5Writing to Persuade4.2.6Writing to Persuade - Example4.2.7Writing to Argue4.2.8Writing to Argue - Example4.2.9Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue4.2.10Writing to Advise4.2.11Writing to Advise - Example4.2.12End of Topic Test - Writing to...
4.3

Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR

4.3.1Direct Address4.3.2Alliteration4.3.3Facts4.3.4Opinions4.3.5Repetition4.3.6Exaggeration (Hyperbole)4.3.7Statistics4.3.8Triple (Rule of 3)4.3.9Emotive Language4.3.10Rhetorical Questions4.3.11End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER
5

Section C: Writing

5.1

Writing Task

5.1.1Discursive Writing5.1.2Narrative Writing5.1.3Descriptive Writing5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Task

Practice questions on Narrative Writing

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    You are describing a character's boredom during a long journey as part of a narrative piece. What kind of sentences should you use to create the right tone and mood?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Features of a narrative piece:True / false
  3. 3
    You are asked to write an opening for a fairy tale story about childhood sweethearts. What should you focus on most?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    What techniques should you use to enhance your narrative writing in your exam?Fill in the list
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Discursive Writing

Descriptive Writing