Writing Workshop 4:

A short story
Learning Outcome

At the end of the session, the student

writes a short story with its four parts.
I.- What is a story

II.- Structure

III.- Useful Expressions

IV.- Sample

V.- Task
Let’s take a look at this example:
I.- What is a story?

A story is an account of imaginary or real

people and events told for entertainment. That
is the reason why you have more freedom to
write within 100 words.
Structure
Title: It should either summarize the
whole story or be related to the main
theme.

Exposition: This is the beginning of the

story, where the characters and setting
are established. It works as the
introduction to the next part, the action.

Action: In this part, the characters deal

with conflict and do things to solve it.

Resolution: This is where the conflict is

solved and the story concludes with an
ending.
For example:

Your English teacher has asked you to

write a story.
Your story must begin with this sentence:
I felt nervous when the phone rang.

Write your story in about 100 words.

 Tittle The Call
I felt nervous when the phone rang at
11:59 p.m. I was in bed with my husband
and had no idea who would call us at that
Exposition hour.

I got up and went to answer, but the phone

stopped ringing. When I was falling asleep,
I heard the phone again. “Lord, have
Action mercy! This is ridiculous!”, I thought. That
was when I said “Hello?”, but nobody was
on the phone. Suddenly, my family was in
my bedroom screaming “Happy birthday!”.

I had completely forgotten my birthday. My

husband prepared a surprise party and
Resolution invited my family for the secret celebration.
Read these titles of stories and match them to the beginnings and ending suggested
below.
1. A difficult journey
2. An unexpected new friend
3. A surprise party
4. The lost key

A. I work in a coffee on Sundays. One man who
often comes is a journalist. Two weeks ago,
when I brought him his coffee, the man said,
”I’m going to meet someone”. “Who?”, I asked.
…...........................................................................
“I hope you’ll return safely”, I said. “ I hope so,
too”, he answered.
B. It was sunny and wind was blowing last
Sunday, so I decided to take a walk along the
park. I was buying an ice-cream when I saw
something metal on the ground.
…………………………………………………………………………
The businessman gave me 300 dollars, and I was
really amazed. He said, “I was looking for it all
around the town. Thank you for finding it”

C. When I looked out of the tent, it was D. It was Jamie’s birthday, but he was sitting
snowing hard. We packed our rucksacks and alone in his room. He usually met his friends on
put on our coats. Saturday evening, but this week they were all
…………………………………………………………………… busy. He felt miserable.
And an hour later we were sitting in a …………………………………………………………………………
restaurant drinking hot tea. “It’s been a great evening”, he said.

Answers: 1C 2A 3D 4B
It is advisable to use descriptive language such as adjectives and adverbs.

Phrases
Time for
phrases: It all began dramatic
Shortly afterwards effect: Suddenly
Meanwhile
All of a sudden
Not long afterwards
Without warning
Some time later

Later that day

Out of the blue
A little later
Just at that moment
Finally
Quite unexpectedly
In the end
As if from nowhere
Eventually

Direct Concluding
speech: “…..”, said Fred stories:
“…..”, shouted Fred When it was all over
“…..”, screamed Fred Looking back now
“…..”, whispered Fred

“…..”, announced Fred. In retrospect

”…..”, thought Fred In the end
“…..”, cried Fred After all that had
“…..”, promised Fred happened
Cohesive devices
The use of connectors is essential in the organization of stories. Use them to sequence
the story and make it easy to follow.
ADDING INFORMATION CONTRAST
And, also, as well, in addition, besides, above all However, but, although, on the other hand,
despite, in spite of, even though, though, whereas

GIVING EXAMPLES SIMILARITY

Such as, for example, like, for instance, as Similarly, equally, likewise, in the same way
follows:
REINFORCEMENT RESULT
Also, furthermore, moreover, above all, not So, therefore, as a result, because of this,
only… but also consequently, thus, hence, in that case

DEDUCTION SUMMARY
Otherwise, in other words, then, in that case In conclusion, to sum up, in brief, therefore, to
summarize

SEQUENCE STATING THE OBVIOUS

Firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly, next, after, to start Obviously, clearly, naturally, of course, naturally,
with, to finish, surely, after all
Question
Your English teacher has asked you to write a story.
Your story must begin with this sentence:

I was amazed when I opened the bag.

Write your story in about 100 words.

Question
Your English teacher has asked you to write a story.
Your story must begin with this sentence:

I felt excited because she got the award.

Write your story in about 100 words.

CONCLUSIONS

A story is an account of imaginary or real people and events told for

01 entertainment. That is the reason why you have more freedom to write
within 100 words.

02 Exposition: This is the beginning of the story, where the characters and
setting are established. It works as the introduction to the next part, the
action.
03 Action: In this part, the characters deal with conflict and do things to solve
it.

Resolution: This is where the conflict is solved and the story concludes with
04 an ending.
 REFERENCES

Redston C. Face2face PreIntermediate. Second Edition.

Cambridge University Press 2012.
Moutsou E. and Parker S. Plus Pre-Intermediate. MM
Publications, London 2012.