WRITING A NARRATIVE

Remember that a good story should have the following features: An interesting beginning, which attracts the readers attention. A well thought development. Events should follow a logical order. A good ending.

TENSE: Narrative writing usually involves the use of: Simple Past: for completed actions. Past Continuous: for incomplete past actions. Past Perfect: for completed actions before a time in the past. Past Perfect Continuous: for unfinished actions before a time in the past. CONNECTORS: In a narrative ideas must be carefully connected. For this purpose you can use: first / at first / right from the start / at the beginning Time-relation links: before long / previously when / as soon as / then /after that /next immediately It was then than. after / before That was when. while / as finally / In the end / Eventually Time reference: On ( a day) How to begin a narrative: One of the most memorable/frightening moments in my life was when.. This was really my first experience of.. The most wonderful day in my life was . At, about / around (clock time) In ( a week, year / month)

DISCUSSION: It is easiest to write a story based on a personal story. Think of the most frightening or memorable experience in your life. Now ask yourself these questions: 1. Ask about the background: (What was happening before the incident??
When /happen? Where /be/you? Anyone/with you? What/you/do/at the time? Ant the other people? 2. Ask about the event itself: What/happen? How/you/feel? What/ you/do/next? What/ other people do? What /happen/ afterwards? 3. Ask about later developments: How /you/feel/when you remember the incident? It/change/your life/ in any way?

WRITING SKILLS: To write concisely, exactly and appropriately certain skills and knowledge are needed. Consider the purpose of the writing. Use the appropriate tone: formal or informal? Plan and arrange ideas in a logical order (lay-out) Consider the content: What are you going to say? Punctuate for meaning Use correct spelling Ensure your handwriting is legible Proof-read and edit your writing.