Modes of Writing

Modes of Storytelling

Duke ELA

There are 5 typical modes (or methods) for story telling.

Fill in the Blank

How many modes of writing are there?

​Mode 1: Narration

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​The writer tells you something is happening. It's the "live action" parts of the story

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​Example: I laid the bag on its side in front of him, then grabbed a tennis racket and tried to gently nudge him to go inside. Instead, he hopped to the left and got even closer to me, causing me to drop the racket and run screaming back to my bedroom.

​Mode 2: Description

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​Description is where we are getting a detailed look at something in the story. A description will appeal to the 5 senses.

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​Example: In the dim hallway, his squatty little body was a silhouette in the light coming from the living room, like a buffalo wing someone had dropped on the floor.

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​Mode 3: Dialogue

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​Dialogue is where the characters speak out loud.

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​Example of Dialogue:

​She exhaled, hard. "Chloe can't come."

My dad looked up from tying his shoes. "What happened?"

"Stomach virus," Mom said, tossing her phone on the bed.

​Mode 4: Interior Monologue

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​Interior monologue is where we can see a character's thoughts.

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​Example: Seriously, girl, I thought to myself. You're like a hundred times bigger than him. Just end this already.

Mode 5: ​Exposition

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​Exposition is where we learn facts or background information about the characters, setting or situation.

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​Example: Chloe is a college student, the daughter of my parents' friends, and they say she just comes over to "hang out" with me.

​FUN FACT: Most writers take all five modes of storytelling and mix them up in their stories.

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​When you write your narrative story about a time you were afraid, you can use all 5 modes too!

Multiple Choice

Let's check your knowledge of the 5 modes of story telling!

Tell me which mode the following example is: 

She exclaimed, "LOOK OUT SIR!"

He looked up at the girl, "Wow, I almost got hit, thank you so much!"

• Exposition

• Dialogue

• Brisk

• Landlady

Multiple Choice

Tell me what the following mode the example is:

He was tiny, no bigger than the little handheld pencil sharpener I kept in my backpack...

• Inner Dialogue

• Unicorn

• Description

• Outer Dialogue

Multiple Choice

What mode of storytelling is the following example:

Quit being such a chicken, I told myself. This is not a big deal. Get over it.

• Interior Dialogue

• Description

• Narration

• cupcakes

Multiple Choice

Which mode of storytelling is the following an example of:

I changed into my pajamas, brushed my teeth and curled up on the couch under a blanket.

• Dialogue

• Short Story

• Narration

• Jolly Rancher

Multiple Choice

Which mode of storytelling is the following an example of:

In a galaxy far away, there live a princess named Audrey. She lived on a planet called Pluto. Audrey always wore a twirly dress, had curls in her long hair, and was seven years old. The name of her kingdom was Bubblegum.

• Masterpiece

• Inner Dialogue

• Honorary

• Exposition

Multiple Choice

Can you use all 5 modes of storytelling when you write a story? 

• YES!!!

• No :(