This document provides guidance on writing narratives and stories, including key elements to consider when planning and drafting a narrative. It recommends deciding on the narrative perspective (first or third person) and whether it will be based on imagination or experience. The document also outlines the typical structure for narratives, including an introduction to set the scene, main body to develop the story through events, and conclusion to wrap up the narrative. It provides suggestions for crafting effective beginnings and endings. Additionally, it offers tips for using verbs, adjectives, adverbs, punctuation and verb tenses to enhance narrative writing.

1. Narratives - Stories
Writing School

2. Decisions to make before you
start writing
First or third person?
Imaginary or based on your
own experience?
NEVER start writing before you
have decided on a PLOT

3. Introduction……………..Paragraph 1
Set the scene
Who
When
Where
What

4. Main body..2 or more paragraphs
Development
Describe incidents leading up to the
main event
The main event itself

5. Conclusion………….Final paragraph
End the story
Moods
Consequences
People’s reactions
Feelings
Comments

6. BEGINNINGS
Should make your reader want to
go on with your story
a) Describing weather, surroundings,
people, etc. using the senses
b) Using direct speech
c) Asking a rhetorical question
d) Referring to your feelings or moods
e) Addressing the reader directly

7. ENDINGS
A good ending will make your
reader feel satisfied
a) Using direct speech
b) Referring to your feelings or moods
c) Describing people’s reactions to the
events developed in the main body
d) Creating mystery or suspense
e) Asking a rhetorical question

8. TIME WORDS
Sequence of
events is very
important. You
can link the
events with
time words
such as:
 At First
 Until
 When
 Before
 After
 Eventually
 At once
 Finally
 While
 During
 Then

9. ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS
Avoid using
simplistic
adjectives
(good, bad, nice,
well, etc.). Try to
use more
sophisticated
adjectives or
adverbs
 Luxurious
 Extravagant
 Threateningly
 etc.

10. VERBS
A variety of
verbs will make
your story more
lively
Instead of SAY…
 Murmur
 Whisper
 Mutter

11. VERB TENSES
 PAST CONTINUOUS to set the scene
It was raining hard and the wind was blowing as
Jonathan drove towards the small cottage
 PAST SIMPLE to describe the main events of the
story
Jonathan opened the garden gate and went through
the garden towards the front door. He knocked on
the door but there was no answer.
 PAST PERFECT to give the background of the story
Jonathan had been planning to visit the old cottage
for months before he was able to do so.

12. PUNCTUATION DOES MATTER
DIRECT SPEECH:
i want to talk to you
about an email you sent
Mr Simpson said coldly

13. PUNCTUATION DOES MATTER
DIRECT SPEECH:
‘I want to talk to you
about an email you sent’,
Mr Simpson said coldly.

14. Remember to use structures
and vocabulary that are
appropriate for Advanced
Level I.
The food was good – A1
The food was nice – A2
The food was tasty – B1
The food was savoury – B2

15. Remember to use structures
and vocabulary that are
appropriate for Advanced
Level I.
Adam started chess and zumba!–
A1
Adam took up both chess and
zumba!– B1
NOT ONLY did Adam take up chess
but also zumba!– B2

16. Check your story for mistakes
before you hand it in