NARRATIVE

WRITING
Creating an Engaging Story
 THINK
On a separate piece of paper,
write down your own definitions
of the following words:
Narrate
Analyze
Reflect
 PAIR
With a partner, compare definitions
and discuss how these words can
work together in a piece of writing:
Narrate
Analyze
Reflect
 SHARE
Share definitions and how
these words can work together
in a piece of writing:
Narrate
Analyze
Reflect
We will be learning
about how to
narrate, analyze,
and reflect to tell
an engaging,
meaningful story.
 NARRATIVE WRITING
Narrative writing is a type of writing that focuses on a story or recounts
a series of events. The purpose of narrative writing can be to inform
but is most often to entertain.

Narrative writing can be short stories,

novels, autobiographies, and memoirs.

A strong narrative creates an

emotional connection and a satisfying
resolution.
 PERSONAL NARRATIVE WRITING
a story that is real and happened to you. This is called personal narrative
writing.

Personal narrative writing requires the writer to narrate, analyze, and reflect
to build a meaningful story. Below is a description of each.

NARRATE ANALYZE REFLECT

Describe what Comment on your Think deeply about

happened, a play-by- examination of the the events to gain
play of events events after the fact understanding
 SELECTING A TOPIC
When selecting a topic for a personal narrative, think about important
events in your own life. Then, consider your interest in sharing this
story, your ability to tell the story in an effective way, and your capacity
to reflect on what you learned from that experience.

There should be a clear beginning,

middle, and end that can be
communicated for this assignment.

This story should be easily presented

in (primarily) chronological order.
 PROVIDING CONTEXT
After you select your topic, it is important to determine what
information is needed for the reader to understand your story.

Consider the following elements:

Settings
Characters
Stakes/Circumstances

Knowing these elements will allow

your reader to fully envision and
understand your story.
 PLANNING YOUR PLOT
Once you have selected a topic and have considered what information
needs to be included, now is time to determine the plot.

The plot is how you create a sense of

progression in your story. When
determining plot, decide when to start the
story, when to reveal information, and how
to wrap up the story.

Making these decisions before you start to

write creates a road map for you and helps
you create a more cohesive story.
WRITING MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE
Sometimes students are unsure about using dialogue in a story, but it is
great to include because it creates interest in the reader.

Dialogue must serve the story in some way. Do not

have characters simply greeting each other. Make
sure the dialogue is used to reveal useful information
or to reveal something about the character who is
speaking.

Although it is difficult to remember exactly what a

person said some time ago, you can take creative
license as long as you are creating a truthful and
fair representation of the speaker.
 CREATING IMAGERY
WITH SENSORY DETAILS
As you create write your story, remember to engage the reader's five senses:

Sight Describe the visuals using vivid details

Hearing Incorporate important sounds

Taste Describe flavors to immerse your reader

Smell Explore scents relevant to the setting

Touch Explain textures, temperatures, and sensations

 ENDING YOUR
STORY WITH REFLECTION
As we begin to write our
own personal narrative,
use these steps and
strategies to engage
your reader and
strengthen your writing.