Comprehensive Guide to Story Writing
– Edexcel Grade 7
Introduction
Story writing is an essential skill that not only helps students develop creativity but also
enhances their ability to express ideas effectively. For Edexcel grade 7 students, mastering
this skill involves understanding how to structure narratives, use language vividly, and
engage the reader from start to finish. This guide covers key elements of story writing,
various openings and endings, emotive language, rhetorical devices, and suggested topics
for practice.
How to Begin a Story
The beginning of a story sets the tone and grabs the reader’s attention. Common ways to
start a story include:
1. **Dialogue:** Starting with a conversation between characters.
2. **Action:** Beginning with a significant event or movement.
3. **Setting:** Describing the environment or time period.
4. **Intriguing Question:** Posing a question that engages curiosity.
Key Elements of Story Writing
Every good story contains essential elements that shape the plot and characters. These
elements include:
1. **Characters:** The people or beings in the story.
2. **Setting:** Where and when the story takes place.
3. **Plot:** The sequence of events in the story.
4. **Conflict:** The challenge or problem the characters face.
5. **Climax:** The turning point or most intense moment.
6. **Resolution:** How the conflict is resolved.
Four Types of Endings
A memorable ending leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Four types of story endings are:
1. **Happy Ending:** The story concludes positively with all conflicts resolved.
2. **Tragic Ending:** The protagonist or main characters experience loss or failure.
3. **Twist Ending:** An unexpected conclusion surprises the reader.
4. **Open Ending:** Some elements remain unresolved, leaving room for interpretation.
Emotive Language and Rhetorical Devices
Using emotive language helps evoke emotions in readers, making the story more engaging.
Examples include words like 'heartbroken,' 'ecstatic,' 'terrified,' and 'enchanted.'
Rhetorical devices that enhance story writing include:
- **Alliteration:** Repetition of consonant sounds (e.g., 'whispering winds').
- **Metaphor:** Direct comparison without 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'Her eyes were stars').
- **Simile:** Comparison using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'He was as brave as a lion').
- **Personification:** Giving human traits to non-human things (e.g., 'The wind danced').
Language and Structure
The language used in story writing should be clear and descriptive. Pay attention to:
- **Paragraphing:** Break your story into logical sections.
- **Tense:** Use consistent tenses, typically past or present.
- **Dialogue Punctuation:** Use speech marks to enclose dialogues.
- **Descriptive Language:** Engage the senses with vivid descriptions.
Examples of Topics for Practice
Here are some story prompts for practice:
1. A day when everything went wrong.
2. The moment I discovered a hidden talent.
3. Lost in an unknown place with only a backpack.
4. A mysterious letter changed everything.
5. The adventure of a lifetime on a deserted island.
Tips for Effective Story Writing
1. Plan your story before writing. Use a mind map or bullet points.
2. Use a hook at the beginning to grab attention.
3. Show, don’t tell. Use actions and descriptions to convey emotions.
4. Edit and revise. Check for errors and improve descriptions.
5. Practice regularly to refine your storytelling skills.
