ENGLISH FAL PAPER 3 WRITING CHEAT SHEET
Narrative Essay Guide
This pack includes:
• Essay structure and tips
• Writing tools and language devices
• Examples of idioms, metaphors, etc.
• Sample introductory and concluding paragraphs
1. NARRATIVE ESSAY CHEAT SHEET & TIPS
Introduction (Hook Paragraph)
• Grab the reader’s attention with action, emotion, or a question.
• Introduce the main character and setting.
• Hint at the problem or theme.
Body (Events)
• Tell events in order (sequentially).
• Each paragraph = one main event.
• Use senses and dialogue to make it real.
• Build to a climax.
Conclusion (Ending)
• Show how the story ends (positive or negative).
• Reflect on what was learned or changed.
• End with a strong final line.
Checklist
✓ Title fits the story
✓ Paragraphs clear and in order
✓ Correct grammar and spelling
✓ Dialogue punctuated correctly
✓ Interesting vocabulary
✓ Smooth flow from start to end
2. WRITING TOOLS & LANGUAGE DEVICES
Figurative Language
Simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole — to make writing vivid and emotional.
Idioms & Proverbs
Show cultural understanding and wisdom. Use naturally within your story.
Rhetorical Devices
Use rhetorical questions, repetition, and contrast to make writing powerful.
Descriptive Writing Tools
Adjectives, adverbs, imagery, strong verbs to create clear pictures.
Dialogue
Make it real and correct with punctuation. New line for each speaker.
Emotive Language
Use language that creates emotion: fear, joy, sadness, hope.
Sentence Variety
Mix short and long sentences for rhythm and impact.
Tone and Mood
Tone = writer’s attitude. Mood = feeling created for reader. Keep consistent.
Transition Words
Link events smoothly: then, later, suddenly, therefore, however, meanwhile.
3. EXAMPLES OF EXPRESSIVE DEVICES
Idioms
Happy: On top of the world; Over the moon; In seventh heaven; A breath of fresh air.
Sad: Down in the dumps; Feeling blue; A heavy heart; Cry over spilt milk.
Proverbs
Happy: Every cloud has a silver lining; Laughter is the best medicine; Fortune favours the brave; Where
there’s a will, there’s a way.
Sad: All that glitters is not gold; You can’t win them all; What goes up must come down; When it rains, it
pours.
Metaphors
Happy: My heart is a sunrise; Joy is a bright flame; Success is a ladder; Hope is a bird with open wings.
Sad: My heart is a stone; Life is a storm; Dreams are fading shadows; Pain is a silent thief.
Rhetorical Questions
• Who would have thought one day could change everything?
• Can you imagine losing everything you love?
• What would you do if fear controlled you?
• Isn’t it strange how fast life can turn?
Emotive Language
Happy: My heart danced with joy; A wave of relief washed over me; I smiled until my cheeks ached; Warmth
filled my chest.
Sad: Tears burned my eyes; My hands trembled; Emptiness echoed inside me; The world felt cold and
distant.
Symbols
Sun = hope, Rain = sadness, Key = opportunity, Broken mirror = bad luck, Road = life’s journey, Bird =
freedom.
4. SAMPLE INTRODUCTIONS & CONCLUSIONS
Introductory Paragraph (Happy Mood)
The sun poured golden light over the school field as laughter echoed in the distance. Today felt different—like
a promise waiting to be fulfilled. I had no idea that this day would become one I’d remember forever.
Introductory Paragraph (Sad / Hardship Mood)
The rain tapped against the window like a cruel reminder of what I’d lost. My room was silent, yet my thoughts
screamed louder than any thunderstorm. That night, hope felt like a stranger.
Conclusion (Happy Ending)
As the sun set behind the hills, I smiled. The struggle had been worth it. I had lost, I had learned, and in the
end, I had found myself.
Conclusion (Sad Ending)
The bus pulled away, leaving only dust and silence. Some stories don’t end with smiles, and that’s okay. Not
every ending needs to be happy to be true.
