CCSS Friendly How to write a Narrative. This is geared to 7th grade E.L.A.; however, can easily be used for grades 5-10. Common Core State Standards Writing Standard 3.

1. Fictional or Non-fictional

2. » A Narrative is prose that:
• Tells a story about a real or fictional
event
• Develops a plot with a beginning, middle
and end
• Develops a setting (time AND place)
• Develops characters that the reader can
relate to

3. • Uses strategies such as action, descriptive
details, dialogue, figurative language and
imagery that enhances the overall experience
for the reader
• Uses correct
grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence
structure and grammar

4. What steps can I take to
write an effective narrative?

5. 1. Decide on your topic or story line concept
2. Create a conflict
3. Set the scene
4. Plan a whole set of complications
5. Determine the climax
6. What will the resolution be?

6. Write your story following
your pre-writing outline or
graphic organizer. Be sure to
develop your characters, plot
and setting, use vivid verbs
and descriptive language and
complete sentences
paragraphing as needed.

7. Revising is not editing!
It is making changes that will
enhance and clarify your story.

8. » Questions to ask while reading through a story to
revise:
• Did you start with a “grabber?”
• Are your characters and setting interesting?
• Do your characters and setting contribute to the
enhancement of your story?
• Does your dialogue contribute to the story?

9. » Questions to ask while reading through a story to
revise:
• Do your sentences flow well?
• Do you use transitional words and phrases that
connect ideas and events well?
• Do you have paragraph breaks?

10. » Questions to ask while reading
through a story to revise:
• Do you need to clarify anything?
• Did you tie up all your loose ends
in the resolution?
• Are you completely satisfied with
your story and proud of it?

11. » Proof read your final copy for any typos
(typographical errors). Your final story should
have no spelling or grammatical errors.
» Use the following chart as standard editing
marks:

12. • Three underlines – capital
• p. -- Punctuation
• ∧ -- Insert word or words here
• sp – Check spelling
• / -- lower case level (slash through the letter)
• frag. -- sentence fragment
• RO – run-on sentence
• n.c. – not clear
• This is wrong

13. Put your narrative in a
professional presentation
format and turn it in for a
grade

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