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Narrative Writing:
English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Section A- Writing
LO: To practise writing using literary devices
DATE: 15th November 2021
TASK: Which sentence is a metaphor and how
do you know?
a) The snow is a white blanket.
b) The snow was like a white blanket.
c) The snowy blanket was white
d) The snow is white
CHALLENGE: which one is a simile and
how do you know?
To practise writing using literary devices
English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Figurative Language

Simile Personification Metaphor

Practise your figurative language skills with the images
above.
Can you write 1 example of each?
CHALLENGE: write 2 examples
To practise writing using literary devices
English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Show…Don’t tell.
For this task, you are going to practise your ‘show, don’t tell’ skills. You are to write the
opening part to a narrative based on a tropical island. However, there is a twist.
Depending on your surname, you are going to improve my opening sentences and carry on
in the same tone. Pay close attention to sentence structure, language techniques and show,
don’t tell.
Name A-L: Positive Tone
Excited and fidgety, John ran straight from the
hotel to the idyllic beach he had been dreaming
about ever since he saw it in the brochure. The
gentle lapping of the waves on the warm white
sand was all he could hear. The sand warmed his
toes as he threw down his towel and smiled a
broad grin.

Name M-Z: Negative Tone

Dark. So dark. John lifted his hand in front of his
face but could not see a thing. A fierce wind
battered his aching body. Where was he? He
remembered waking up on the plane just as the
screaming had begun…
To practise writing using literary devices Show. Don’t Tell.

English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Convert the following telling sentences into showing:

1) The temperature had fallen overnight and the heavy frost reflected the sun's rays
brightly.
The morning air was bitter ice in her nose and mouth, and
dazzling frost lay on every bud and branch.

2) The taller man was a carpenter, complete with the tools of his trade.
A saw and hammer dangled from his belt and an adze was hooked into
it, one thumbnail was black, and when he bowed, she saw several
long wood-shavings caught in his curly hair.
3) They stood close and wrapped their arms round each other in a passionate embrace,
so that she became aware that he had been riding, and then that he was as nervous
as she was.
They gripped each other and the tweed of his jacket was
rough under her cheek. His hand came up to stroke her
hair; she smelled leather and horses on the skin of his
wrist. He was trembling.

Challenge: Explain the difference between showing and telling in your own
words.
To practise writing using literary devices
English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Highlight your BEST ‘show’ not ‘tell’

sentence.
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Word Association
Think of the word structure.

What comes into your mind?

A building? A large tower? A bridge?

Maybe a person building or

creating something
 How to plan your narrative
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Your first job is to come up with an idea. At this stage all you
need to think of is a setting and an event. Once you’ve got a
general idea you need to plan.

Why is a plan so important? I’ve

got a great idea, can’t I just get
on with it?

• A good plan helps you avoid a story that goes on and

on.
• It prevents you from getting ‘writer’s block’ halfway
through.
• It helps to keep the reader (the examiner) engaged.
• It helps you to manage your time.
 Five part plan
English Language: Paper 1
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English Language: Coursework

The five part plan is the most

commonly used structure in story
telling. You will find it used in
Gripping
many short stories, plays, TV Opening
programmes and films.
The five part plan always begins Back story
with an exciting opening before we
reveal a brief back-story. The
main character is then faced with Problem &
a major problem made worse by Complication
complications. The action builds
to a crisis, nearing the end of the Crisis
story, before events are resolved
in the resolution. This is a simple
but effective plan which we will Resolution
use in our narrative writing.
 Five Part Plan
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Gripping 3
8
Mins
Mins
–
–
Plan your writing
Gripping opening
Opening 8 Mins – Back-story
8 Mins – Problem and complications
Back-story 8 Mins – Crisis
8 Mins – Resolution
Problem and 2 Mins – Check your work

Complications This gives you just enough time on each

section and 5 minutes to plan and check your
Crisis work.

Resolution
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Part One – A Gripping Opening

Part One is probably the most important

section of the story. Here you need to
grab the reader’s attention and create a
powerful impression. You also need to
introduce the protagonist, describe the
setting and build mood and atmosphere
to draw the reader in.
 Select a Setting
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Choosing the right setting is essential. You

must capture the reader’s imagination and
make them want to keep reading.
It is a good
idea to
select a
setting
which helps
to create an
appropriate
mood for the
story…
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Select a Setting
It is a good idea to place the main character
in a dangerous, unfamiliar or threatening
environment. If you are vulnerable it will
create suspense and engage the reader’s
curiosity.

Isolated locations work well as the character

is alone and unable to go for help easily and
quickly if a problem should arise.
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Effective Settings
At home
Out in a An ancient
storm wood

Setting
suggestions
Isolated places
– Arabian
In a foreign Sea desert
country
Add more effective
At home
settings of your own
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Select a Setting
Wherever you choose you must describe it in
vivid detail to make the place come alive in
the reader’s mind. To do this you must
describe the place in a multi sensory way.
Effective description appeals to all senses
and conveys the character’s emotions.
Select your setting, then gather effective
images to describe the place in a table like
the one on the next slide.
 English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Sight Sound
•The rose, gold sunlight, spilled over •Cry of the fiendish wind through the
the undulating hills and down onto the Abbey ruins
valley floor. •Cries of the raging wind tore through
the trees …
Touch Smell
•The respite of the gentle breeze •The stench of discarded garbage
calmed me after ….. reeked throughout the school
•My hands bumped up and down
against the coarse, rough tree trunk
Taste TASK 5 Ws

•Ocotber night, 10 pm
•Hot, humid and stick the air was
heavy
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English Language: Paper 1 English Language: Coursework

Plenary: Create images in the boxes

Sight Sound

Touch Smell

Taste 5 Ws