Exploring the use of time in a narrative | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which of these is not a structural feature?

• simile

• flashback

• repetition

• chronological order

Answer explanation

Chronological order and flashback are two structural techniques that relate to time.

Which of these is a structural feature involving the writer's use of time?

• repetition

• use of dialogue

• non-linear narrative

Answer explanation

A non-linear narrative describes events in a different order to that in which they actually occur.

What is a flashback?

• when a writer shifts to a moment in the future

• when a writer shifts to a moment in the past

• when writer sets their narrative in the past

Answer explanation

Flashbacks can give readers a deeper insight into a character's feelings.

What is a flashforward?

• when a writer shifts to a moment in the future

• when a writer sets their narrative in the future

• when the writer describes a futuristic world

Answer explanation

A writer could use both a flashback and flashforward in their narrative.

What does it mean if something is inevitable?

• It will never happen.

• It will definitely happen.

• It is lucky.

• It is unlucky.

Answer explanation

Using a flashforward in a narrative can help create a sense of inevitability, as it is almost as if the future is confirmed before it happens.

Which of these sentences has a poignant tone?

• The old man sat on the bench looking at a photograph.

• The old man chuckled as he looked at the photograph.

• The old man clutched the photograph, tears trickling down his face.

Answer explanation

Writers can also create a poignant tone through the manipulation of tone in their narratives.