narrative review

Narrative Writing

Review

Open Ended

What is unique about narrative writing compared to argumentative and expository/explanatory essays?

Purpose

The purpose of a narrative essay is to tell a story, either real or imaginary, that engages the reader and conveys a message or lesson

Plot

The plot of the story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. It should be engaging and have a conflict that is resolved by the end of the story.

Draw

Draw a plot map or mountain from memory

Point of View

The narrative essay can be written in the first person point of view, using "I," "we," or "me" to describe the events, or in the third person point of view, using "he," "she," or "they" to describe the characters.

Multiple Select

Which point of view can you write from?

• First

• Second

• Third

• All of the above

Setting

The setting of the story should be described in detail to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. This includes the time, place, and atmosphere of the story.

Language

The language used in the essay should be clear, concise, and appropriate for the audience. It should include descriptive language and literary devices such as similes, metaphors, and personification.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a great use of descriptive language?

• The old, rundown house sat at the end of a long, winding dirt road, like a forgotten relic from another time

• The towering skyscrapers loomed overhead, casting long shadows over the crowded sidewalks, and the neon lights of the shops and restaurants glowed like a beacon in the darkness.

• The tranquil forest glowed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, the leaves of the trees rustling gently in the breeze

• It was a place, and there were things in it. The sky was up, and the ground was down. There were buildings and streets, and people walked on them. The end.

Characters and Dialogue

The characters in the story should be well-developed and have distinct personalities, motivations, and actions. It's important to use dialogue and actions to reveal character traits.

DIALOGUE IS KEY FOR THIS TYPE OF ESSAY WITHOUT IT YOU WILL SCORE POORLY

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a common reason for using dialogue in a narrative?

• To provide a physical description of the characters

• To establish the setting of the story

• To reveal the thoughts and emotions of the characters

• To describe the actions and events in the story