Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-3-paper-1-writing-narrative-writing [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [English Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa.md) › Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing # Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 4.1.3 ## 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](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/27b953cf-9db4-4813-bf60-7fb7d47b02b2/words-letters-.jpg) - 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](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/03bc71e3-0baa-45a7-9844-b5a762ce0634/puzzle-piece-alone.jpg) - 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](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/967e8ce2-7214-4569-a755-0b1dd45aaec9/shutterstock_541132384.jpg) - 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](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/7.2.2%20Alcohols%20and%20Carboxylic%20acids/alcohol%20-%20Edited-min.jpg) - 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](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/4494c522-7e35-4360-9013-a55ed2c5d025/woman-thinking-forget.jpg) - 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. ## Test yourself on Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing - 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? - You are asked to write an opening for a fairy tale story about childhood sweethearts. What should you focus on most? - What techniques should you use to enhance your narrative writing in your exam? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/df1578de-6327-45fa-9420-1619f20f680e/section/f91aa4aa-35e9-4a21-a7b4-fa5249bfa65e/session) - Previous topic: [4.1.2 Paper 1: Writing - Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-2-paper-1-writing-descriptive-writing.md) - Next topic: [4.1.4 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 1)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-4-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-1.md) ## English Language: AQA GCSE contents ### 1 Key Terms - 1.1 Key Terms - [1.1.1 Nouns](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-1-nouns.md) - [1.1.2 Verbs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-2-verbs.md) - [1.1.3 Sentence Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-3-sentence-types.md) - [1.1.4 Words](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-4-words.md) - [1.1.5 Sound](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-5-sound.md) - [1.1.6 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-6-language.md) - [1.1.7 Images & Symbols](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-7-images-and-symbols.md) - [1.1.8 Phrases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-8-phrases.md) - [1.1.9 Mood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-9-mood.md) - [1.1.10 Key Terms - Other Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-10-key-terms-other-techniques.md) - [1.1.11 End of Topic Test - Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/1-1-11-end-of-topic-test-key-terms.md) ### 2 Language Techniques - 2.1 Language Devices - [2.1.1 Metaphors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-1-metaphors.md) - [2.1.2 Similes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-2-similes.md) - [2.1.3 Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-3-metaphors-and-similes-hyperlearning.md) - [2.1.4 Personification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-4-personification.md) - [2.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md) - [2.1.6 Pun](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-6-pun.md) - [2.1.7 Oxymoron](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-7-oxymoron.md) - [2.1.8 Hyperbole](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-8-hyperbole.md) - [2.1.9 Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-9-alliteration.md) - [2.1.10 Sibilance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-10-sibilance.md) - [2.1.11 Onomatopoeia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-11-onomatopoeia.md) - [2.1.12 Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-12-emotive-language.md) - [2.1.13 All Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-13-all-language-devices.md) - [2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Language Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-1-14-end-of-topic-test-language-devices.md) - 2.2 Writing Structure - [2.2.1 Narrators](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-1-narrators.md) - [2.2.2 Paragraphs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-2-paragraphs.md) - [2.2.3 Present Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-3-present-tense.md) - [2.2.4 Past Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-4-past-tense.md) - [2.2.5 Future Tense](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-5-future-tense.md) - [2.2.6 Present vs Past vs Future](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-6-present-vs-past-vs-future.md) - [2.2.7 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-7-foreshadowing.md) - [2.2.8 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-8-structure.md) - [2.2.9 End of Topic Test - Writing Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/2-2-9-end-of-topic-test-writing-structure.md) ### 3 Paper 1: Reading - 3.1 Paper 1: Reading - Section A - [3.1.1 Paper 1: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-1-paper-1-reading-overview-section-a.md) - [3.1.2 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-2-paper-1-reading-answering-question-1.md) - [3.1.3 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-3-paper-1-reading-answering-question-2.md) - [3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-4-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md) - [3.1.5 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-5-paper-1-reading-answering-question-3.md) - [3.1.6 Paper 1: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-6-paper-1-reading-answering-question-4.md) - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md) - [3.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-reading.md) - [3.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q2.md) - [3.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q3.md) - [3.1.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-1.md) - [3.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q4 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/3-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q4-2.md) ### 4 Paper 1: Writing - 4.1 Paper 1: Writing - Structuring Your Answer - [4.1.1 Paper 1: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-1-paper-1-writing-overview-section-b.md) - [4.1.2 Paper 1: Writing - Descriptive Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-2-paper-1-writing-descriptive-writing.md) - [4.1.3 Paper 1: Writing - Narrative Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-3-paper-1-writing-narrative-writing.md) - [4.1.4 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 1)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-4-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-1.md) - [4.1.5 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B (option 2)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-5-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-option-2.md) - [4.1.6 Paper 1: Writing - Answering Section B - Checklist](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-6-paper-1-writing-answering-section-b-checklist.md) - [4.1.7 End of Topic Test - Writing Section](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-7-end-of-topic-test-writing-section.md) - [4.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 1: Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-8-exam-style-questions-paper-1-writing.md) - [4.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-1.md) - [4.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P1 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/4-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p1-q5-2.md) ### 5 Paper 2: Reading - 5.1 Paper 2: Reading - DAFORESTER - [5.1.1 Paper 2: Reading - Direct Address](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-1-paper-2-reading-direct-address.md) - [5.1.2 Paper 2: Reading - Alliteration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-2-paper-2-reading-alliteration.md) - [5.1.3 Paper 2: Reading - Facts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-3-paper-2-reading-facts.md) - [5.1.4 Paper 2: Reading - Opinions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-4-paper-2-reading-opinions.md) - [5.1.5 Paper 2: Reading - Repetition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-5-paper-2-reading-repetition.md) - [5.1.6 Paper 2: Reading - Exaggeration (Hyperbole)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-6-paper-2-reading-exaggeration-hyperbole.md) - [5.1.7 Paper 2: Reading - Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-7-paper-2-reading-statistics.md) - [5.1.8 Paper 2: Reading - Triples (Rule of 3)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-8-paper-2-reading-triples-rule-of-3.md) - [5.1.9 Paper 2: Reading - Emotive Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-9-paper-2-reading-emotive-language.md) - [5.1.10 Paper 2: Reading - Rhetorical Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-10-paper-2-reading-rhetorical-questions.md) - [5.1.11 End of Topic Test - DAFORESTER](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-1-11-end-of-topic-test-daforester.md) - 5.2 Paper 2: Reading - Structuring Your Answer - [5.2.1 Paper 2: Reading - Overview - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-1-paper-2-reading-overview-section-a.md) - [5.2.2 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-2-paper-2-reading-answering-question-1.md) - [5.2.3 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-3-paper-2-reading-answering-question-2.md) - [5.2.4 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-4-paper-2-reading-answering-question-3.md) - [5.2.5 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-5-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md) - [5.2.6 Paper 2: Reading - Answering Question 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-6-paper-2-reading-answering-question-4.md) - [5.2.7 End of Topic Test - Section A](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-7-end-of-topic-test-section-a.md) - [5.2.8 Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Reading](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-8-exam-style-questions-paper-2-reading.md) - [5.2.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q1.md) - [5.2.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-1.md) - [5.2.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q2 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q2-2.md) - [5.2.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/5-2-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q4.md) ### 6 Paper 2: Writing - 6.1 Paper 2: Writing - Structuring Your Answer - [6.1.1 Paper 2: Writing - Overview - Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-1-paper-2-writing-overview-section-b.md) - [6.1.2 Paper 2: Writing - Answering Section B](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-2-paper-2-writing-answering-section-b.md) - [6.1.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-1.md) - [6.1.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-2.md) - [6.1.5 Diagnostic Misconceptions - P2 Q5 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-1-5-diagnostic-misconceptions-p2-q5-3.md) - 6.2 Types of Writing - [6.2.1 Paper 2: Writing - Article](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-1-paper-2-writing-article.md) - [6.2.2 Paper 2: Writing - Essay](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-2-paper-2-writing-essay.md) - [6.2.3 Paper 2: Writing - Leaflet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-3-paper-2-writing-leaflet.md) - [6.2.4 Paper 2: Writing - Letter](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-4-paper-2-writing-letter.md) - [6.2.5 Paper 2: Writing - Speech](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-5-paper-2-writing-speech.md) - [6.2.6 Paper 2: Writing - Review](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-6-paper-2-writing-review.md) - [6.2.7 Paper 2: Writing - Travel Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-7-paper-2-writing-travel-writing.md) - [6.2.8 Paper 2: Writing - Diaries & Journals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-8-paper-2-writing-diaries-and-journals.md) - [6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Types of Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-2-9-end-of-topic-test-types-of-writing.md) - 6.3 Writing to... - [6.3.1 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-1-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform.md) - [6.3.2 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Inform - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-2-paper-2-writing-writing-to-inform-example.md) - [6.3.3 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-3-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain.md) - [6.3.4 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Explain - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-4-paper-2-writing-writing-to-explain-example.md) - [6.3.5 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-5-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade.md) - [6.3.6 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-6-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-example.md) - [6.3.7 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-7-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue.md) - [6.3.8 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-8-paper-2-writing-writing-to-argue-example.md) - [6.3.9 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Persuade vs Writing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-9-paper-2-writing-writing-to-persuade-vs-writing.md) - [6.3.10 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Advise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-10-paper-2-writing-writing-to-advise.md) - [6.3.11 Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Advise - Example](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-language/aqa/6-3-11-paper-2-writing-writing-to-advise-example.md) - 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