Pre Uni College Writing
Project
What Is Narrative Writing?
A narrative is a story containing specific elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader. Narratives encourage the reader to feel as if they are a part of the story, as if the story is being told directly to him or her. Narratives enable readers to “jump inside” the story and experience what the characters are doing or what is being done to them. Narratives have intriguing plots that make readers wonder, “What will happen next?” Narratives contains conflict and dilemmas, and the resolution is important to the reader. Narratives contain vivid settings that capture the imagination. Narratives have themes, messages the readers take away with them long after the stories have been read.
Discuss each of the following basic elements of narratives.
Plot
• Plot is the who, what, where, when, why, and how outline that gives the narrative direction.
• What is the story about?
• Events unfold as they happen.
• Plot is the frame of the narrative.
Characters
• Characters are the people, animals, or inanimate objects who are affected by the actions or who are the cause of certain events.
• Characters, real or imagined, should be brought to life through the narrative.
• If characters are not portrayed or described well, the narrative will not be believed.
Setting
• Setting is where the narrative takes place.
• The setting allows the readers to visualise the scenes and the characters in those scenes.
• Remember, although a setting may be clear to the author, the author must create a picture for his or her readers.
Conflict
• Conflict is the problem that must be overcome or resolved so the readers (not to mention the main character) are not left hanging.
Powerful Titles
Titles are essential to narrative writing because a strong title may encourage someone to read your story. Titles hold great power. A title should not reveal too much of the story; rather, a title should pique, or stir, curiosity. After reading a narrative, the reader should understand the significance of the title and how it related to the narrative. If after completing the narrative, the reader is confused by the title, then the reader may feel that he or she missed something. Remember, the title is the first impression the reader has of your story. When creating titles, brainstorm a list of several possibilities, and then choose what you feel is the strongest for your narrative.
Summer Vacation
Imagine you were assigned the topic, “Write a story about your summer vacation.” As a class, brainstorm titles that would make someone interested in your summer.
Three Scoops Please!
You are creating three new ice cream Flavours, and must assign titles to each of these new flavours. Add a description to each new flavour using adjectives, sensory imagery, and figurative language. Illustrate your triple scoop ice cream cone to accurately depict your three new flavours.
Flavour #1: ___________________________
Description: __________________________
Flavour #2: ___________________________
Description: __________________________
Flavour #3: ___________________________
Description: __________________________
Autobiography
Brainstorm 10 titles for your autobiography. Choose one that you feel creates the most intrigue. Create a cover for your autobiography.
Pre Uni College Writing
Project
What Is Narrative Writing?
A narrative is a story containing specific elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader. Narratives encourage the reader to feel as if they are a part of the story, as if the story is being told directly to him or her. Narratives enable readers to “jump inside” the story and experience what the characters are doing or what is being done to them. Narratives have intriguing plots that make readers wonder, “What will happen next?” Narratives contains conflict and dilemmas, and the resolution is important to the reader. Narratives contain vivid settings that capture the imagination. Narratives have themes, messages the readers take away with them long after the stories have been read.
Discuss each of the following basic elements of narratives.
Plot
• Plot is the who, what, where, when, why, and how outline that gives the narrative direction.
• What is the story about?
• Events unfold as they happen.
• Plot is the frame of the narrative.
Characters
• Characters are the people, animals, or inanimate objects who are affected by the actions or who are the cause of certain events.
• Characters, real or imagined, should be brought to life through the narrative.
• If characters are not portrayed or described well, the narrative will not be believed.
Setting
• Setting is where the narrative takes place.
• The setting allows the readers to visualise the scenes and the characters in those scenes.
• Remember, although a setting may be clear to the author, the author must create a picture for his or her readers.
Conflict
• Conflict is the problem that must be overcome or resolved so the readers (not to mention the main character) are not left hanging.
May I Help You?
Not many people come to the ice-cream store to get vanilla. In fact, as long as I’ve worked here, I’ve never scooped a plain old vanilla ice cream cone. Today, though, was different. The customer who just left ordered vanilla, even after I asked, “Sir, have you tried our flavour of the month?” He hadn’t, and he insisted on vanilla. “We have many other flavours, sir.” Vanilla, though, suited him fine. It isn’t that I have anything against vanilla. It’s just that vanilla was so ordinary.
“Half-litre, please. Vanilla.” The customer held out a crisp twenty-dollar bill.
“Vanilla.” I was dumbfounded. “Vanilla?” I grabbed a half-litre container and began scooping. All the while, the other thirty-one flavours cried for my attention. “Sir, if you want a half-litre of vanilla, plain old vanilla, don’t you think you could go to a grocery store? I mean, vanilla is vanilla.” And, I dropped my voice to a whisper to make the gentleman feel like I was revealing a secret, “you’ll be paying almost triple the price here.”
May I Help You? (cont.)
“No, dear. Vanilla is not vanilla.” He smiled. “Ice-cream parlour vanilla is quite different.” He leaned on the counter and continued. “Every Saturday, when I was a child much younger than you, I would go to the ice-cream parlour and, with 20 cents, buy a scoop of vanilla. Pretty soon, I needed a dollar.”
“Inflation?” I asked.
The man laughed. “No, Roseanne, who eventually became my wife.”
I was just about done scooping the clumps of vanilla ice cream into the half-litre container.
“Now I hope this vanilla ice cream will trigger her memory. Make her remember me . . . or herself . . . ” He handed me his money. “Ah, who’s kidding who? Every now and then, us old folks like a dish of good ice cream!”
I gave him his change and his ice cream, and when I heard the chime of the door close, I grabbed a spoon and scooped out a chunk of vanilla. Plain old vanilla. Deliciously perfect.
1. What is the significance of the title? Brainstorm other possible titles and share your suggestions with the class.
2. Why does the salesclerk feel “vanilla is vanilla”? Do you agree with this statement?
3. What is the theme of the narrative?
4. What is the conflict and type of conflict?
5. Using the Rainbow Comparison Graphic Organiser(next page), compare store-bought and icecream shop ice cream.
6. Using one of your invented flavours from “Three Scoops, Please!” pretend that you are an employee at the ice-cream shop and are trying to sell your flavour of the month to your next customer.
7. The man in the narrative takes the vanilla ice cream to his wife, Roseanne. Write a narrative experimenting with point of view. Share with the class.
Home Work
8. Write a similar story, but use a unique ice-cream flavour such as marshmallow nut or honey pear. How does this change the characters? setting? plot? Change the title to suit your new story and share it with your classmates.
Pre Uni College Writing
Project
What Is Narrative Writing?
A narrative is a story containing specific elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader. Narratives encourage the reader to feel as if they are a part of the story, as if the story is being told directly to him or her. Narratives enable readers to “jump inside” the story and experience what the characters are doing or what is being done to them. Narratives have intriguing plots that make readers wonder, “What will happen next?” Narratives contains conflict and dilemmas, and the resolution is important to the reader. Narratives contain vivid settings that capture the imagination. Narratives have themes, messages the readers take away with them long after the stories have been read.
Discuss each of the following basic elements of narratives.
Plot
• Plot is the who, what, where, when, why, and how outline that gives the narrative direction.
• What is the story about?
• Events unfold as they happen.
• Plot is the frame of the narrative.
Characters
• Characters are the people, animals, or inanimate objects who are affected by the actions or who are the cause of certain events.
• Characters, real or imagined, should be brought to life through the narrative.
• If characters are not portrayed or described well, the narrative will not be believed.
Setting
• Setting is where the narrative takes place.
• The setting allows the readers to visualise the scenes and the characters in those scenes.
• Remember, although a setting may be clear to the author, the author must create a picture for his or her readers.
Conflict
• Conflict is the problem that must be overcome or resolved so the readers (not to mention the main character) are not left hanging.
Same Story, Different People
Write a narrative using the scenario. Use yourself as one of the characters, but also describe and retell the same event from others points of view. You may add details to the scenario as desired.
Sleepover Madness
You are at a sleepover. It is midnight. Popcorn is smashed in your sleeping bag, you forgot your pillow, another scary movie has been popped into the DVD player, and someone is snoring.
PLANNING A NARRATIVE
SETTING: TIME AND PLACE
CHARACTERS: (Names and Descriptions)
PROBLEM / GOAL:
RESOLUTION: (How the Problem is Solved)
HOW THE STORY ENDS:
Home Alone
Your parents are going to return from work late. One is at an important, unscheduled meeting, and the other is stuck in traffic. Leftovers have been pulled from the refrigerator. When you sit down to eat, your sibling coughs all over your plate.
PLANNING A NARRATIVE
SETTING: TIME AND PLACE
CHARACTERS: (Names and Descriptions)
PROBLEM / GOAL:
RESOLUTION: (How the Problem is Solved)
HOW THE STORY ENDS:
Pre Uni College
What Is Narrative Writing?
A narrative is a story containing specific elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader. Narratives encourage the reader to feel as if they are a part of the story, as if the story is being told directly to him or her. Narratives enable readers to “jump inside” the story and experience what the characters are doing or what is being done to them. Narratives have intriguing plots that make readers wonder, “What will happen next?” Narratives contains conflict and dilemmas, and the resolution is important to the reader. Narratives contain vivid settings that capture the imagination. Narratives have themes, messages the readers take away with them long after the stories have been read.
Discuss each of the following basic elements of narratives.
Plot
• Plot is the who, what, where, when, why, and how outline that gives the narrative direction.
• What is the story about?
• Events unfold as they happen.
• Plot is the frame of the narrative.
Characters
• Characters are the people, animals, or inanimate objects who are affected by the actions or who are the cause of certain events.
• Characters, real or imagined, should be brought to life through the narrative.
• If characters are not portrayed or described well, the narrative will not be believed.
Setting
• Setting is where the narrative takes place.
• The setting allows the readers to visualise the scenes and the characters in those scenes.
• Remember, although a setting may be clear to the author, the author must create a picture for his or her readers.
Conflict
• Conflict is the problem that must be overcome or resolved so the readers (not to mention the main character) are not left hanging.
Same Story, Different People
Write a narrative using the scenario. Use yourself as one of the characters, but also describe and retell the same event from others points of view. You may add details to the scenario as desired.
Pet Romp
You are in the pet shop watching all of the different animals. Someone is purchasing a canary, another shopper is choosing one of the eight kittens. The dog grooming demonstration has begun, and people surround the pet groomer, who is covered in dog hair.
❖ ❖ ❖
PLANNING A NARRATIVE
SETTING: TIME AND PLACE
CHARACTERS: (Names and Descriptions)
PROBLEM / GOAL:
RESOLUTION: (How the Problem is Solved)
HOW THE STORY ENDS:
Spilt Milk
The express line sign at the grocery store reads, “10 items or less,” but the fellow in front of you has a cart full of groceries. The checkout person has headphones on and is be-bopping to the music. You are scanning the headlines of Gossip Magazine when you drop the gallon of milk, and it sprays all over everyone around you.
PLANNING A NARRATIVE
SETTING: TIME AND PLACE
CHARACTERS: (Names and Descriptions)
PROBLEM / GOAL:
RESOLUTION: (How the Problem is Solved)
HOW THE STORY ENDS:
Pre Uni College
Project
What Is Narrative Writing?
A narrative is a story containing specific elements that work together to create interest for not only the author but also the reader. Narratives encourage the reader to feel as if they are a part of the story, as if the story is being told directly to him or her. Narratives enable readers to “jump inside” the story and experience what the characters are doing or what is being done to them. Narratives have intriguing plots that make readers wonder, “What will happen next?” Narratives contains conflict and dilemmas, and the resolution is important to the reader. Narratives contain vivid settings that capture the imagination. Narratives have themes, messages the readers take away with them long after the stories have been read.
Discuss each of the following basic elements of narratives.
Plot
• Plot is the who, what, where, when, why, and how outline that gives the narrative direction.
• What is the story about?
• Events unfold as they happen.
• Plot is the frame of the narrative.
Characters
• Characters are the people, animals, or inanimate objects who are affected by the actions or who are the cause of certain events.
• Characters, real or imagined, should be brought to life through the narrative.
• If characters are not portrayed or described well, the narrative will not be believed.
Setting
• Setting is where the narrative takes place.
• The setting allows the readers to visualise the scenes and the characters in those scenes.
• Remember, although a setting may be clear to the author, the author must create a picture for his or her readers.
Conflict
• Conflict is the problem that must be overcome or resolved so the readers (not to mention the main character) are not left hanging.
Look at the picture below. Write a story to tell about what you think is happening in the picture. Give your characters names and use lots of detail.
PLANNING A NARRATIVE
SETTING: TIME AND PLACE
CHARACTERS: (Names and Descriptions)
❖ ❖ ❖
RESOLUTION: (How the Problem is Solved)
HOW THE STORY ENDS:
Look at the picture below. Write a story to tell about what you think is happening in the picture. Give your characters names and use lots of detail.
PLANNING A NARRATIVE
SETTING: TIME AND PLACE
CHARACTERS: (Names and Descriptions)
PROBLEM / GOAL:
RESOLUTION: (How the Problem is Solved)
HOW THE STORY ENDS:
Pre Uni College
Term 3
Year 4
Text Type: Discussion Week 7
Discussion Texts
The purpose of a discussion text is to present arguments and information from differing viewpoints.
Discussion texts usually have this structure:
§ Statement of the issue, often plus a preview of the main arguments
§ Arguments for, plus supporting evidence (alternatively, argument/counter argument one point at a time)
§ Arguments against, plus supportive evidence (alternatively, argument/counter argument one point at a time)
§ Recommendation- summary and conclusion
Discussion texts are usually written in the present tense.
Points to check
§ Have you been fair to both sides?
§ Have you supported your views with reasons and evidence?
§ In your conclusion, have you given a reason for what you have decided?
Here are some words and phrases you might find useful: Therefore In addition However Including But On the other hand Consequently Whatever Although Also Certainly Except
Reasons for:
Reasons against:
Sentence openers:
Firstly
In addition
Moreover
On the other hand
Should Mobile Phones be allowed in School?
Adventurous words:
Should we wear school uniform?
This argument is to discuss…
The first point in favour of this argument that I would like to make is…
Secondly,…
However, against this argument…
In support of this…
To conclude, I feel that…
CHECKLIST : DISCUSSION
Features of a Discussion text
Is there an introduction – statement of the issue to be discussed?
Are the arguments for included?
Are the arguments against included?
Is there a conclusion – summary of discussion?
Is it written in the present tense? Is it written in the third person?
Are there abstract nouns (things can’t see or touch) eg. Truth, reason, answer, belief?
Are logical connectives used eg. Therefore, however?
Pre Uni College
Term 3 Year 4
Text Type: Discussion Week 8
Remember to…
• Write a title that says what you are writing about (e.g. Jet travel: stop it or keep it?)
• Write an introduction that states what the discussion is about (There are many stories of sightings of a monster in Sydney. However, people disagree whether it exists or not)
• Organise the text in one of two ways:
1. Write all the arguments for the case. Write one paragraph for each point, starting with topic sentences. Then do the same thing for the points against.
2. Present each argument and counter argument in a separate paragraph, which starts with a topic sentence
• Write a conclusion that sums up the argument and gives a reasoned opinion.
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your writing and can help your reader understand the logic of your writing.
Addition
• furthermore moreover too also in the second placeagain in addition even more next further last lastly finally besides and, or, nor first second secondly
Summary (Conclusion)
• to summarise in sum in brief to sum up in short in summary in conclusion to conclude finally
Reasons for:
Reasons against:
Sentence openers:
Firstly
In addition
Moreover
On the other hand
Teachers
should have to wear school uniform.
Adventurous words:
Final Draft
Teachers should have to wear school uniform.
Students should go to school on Saturdays.
Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give three reasons.
This argument is to discuss…
The first point in favour of this argument that I would like to make is…
Secondly,…
However, against this argument…
In support of this…
To conclude, I feel that…
Final Draft
Students should go to school on Saturdays.
CHECKLIST : DISCUSSION
Features of a Discussion text
Is there an introduction – statement of the issue to be discussed?
Are the arguments for included?
Are the arguments against included?
Is there a conclusion – summary of discussion?
Is it written in the present tense? Is it written in the third person?
Are there abstract nouns (things can’t see or touch) eg. Truth, reason, answer, belief?
Are logical connectives used eg. Therefore, however?
Pre Uni College
Term 3 Year 4
Text Type: Discussion Week 9
•
Remember to…
• Write in the present tense
• Write in the third person
• Use technical vocabulary (pollution, greenhouse gases, climate change)
• Use words to show reasons (because, so)
• Use descriptions to make the facts clearer
• Use words and phrases to signal both sides of the argument (on the one hand, some people believe, others believe, supporters may say)
• Use connecting phrases to signal your points (first of all, in addition)
• Use ‘weasel words’ to help back up a point (probably, perhaps
• Give examples to back up what you say.
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your writing and can help your reader understand the logic of your writing.
Time
• while immediately never after later, earlier
• always when soon whenever meanwhile
• sometimes in the meantime during afterwards now, until now
• next following once then at length
• simultaneously so far this time subsequently
Reasons for:
Reasons against:
Sentence openers:
Firstly
In addition
Moreover
On the other hand
Should children be allowed to stay in at break times?
Adventurous words:
Final Draft
Should children be allowed to stay in at break times?
Everyone should have 3D televisions.
Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give three reasons.
This argument is to discuss…
The first point in favour of this argument that I would like to make is…
Secondly,…
However, against this argument…
In support of this…
To conclude, I feel that…
Final Draft
Everyone should have 3D televisions.
CHECKLIST : DISCUSSION
Features of a Discussion text
Is there an introduction – statement of the issue to be discussed?
Are the arguments for included?
Are the arguments against included?
Is there a conclusion – summary of discussion?
Is it written in the present tense? Is it written in the third person?
Are there abstract nouns (things can’t see or touch) eg. Truth, reason, answer, belief?
Are logical connectives used eg. Therefore, however?
Pre Uni College
•
Remember to…
• Write in the present tense
• Write in the third person
• Use technical vocabulary (pollution, greenhouse gases, climate change)
• Use words to show reasons (because, so)
• Use descriptions to make the facts clearer
• Use words and phrases to signal both sides of the argument (on the one hand, some people believe, others believe, supporters may say)
• Use connecting phrases to signal your points (first of all, in addition)
• Use ‘weasel words’to help back up a point (probably, perhaps
• Give examples to back up what you say.
Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your writing and can help your reader understand the logic of your writing. Time
• while immediately never after later, earlier
• always when soon whenever meanwhile
• sometimes in the meantime during afterwards now, until now
• next following once then at length
• simultaneously so far this time subsequently
Reasons for:
Reasons against:
Breakfast is not important.
Sentence openers:
Firstly
In addition
Moreover
On the other hand
Adventurous words:
The best flavour of ice-cream is …
(student decides)
Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give three reasons.
This argument is to discuss…
The first point in favour of this argument that I would like to make is…
Secondly,…
However, against this argument…
Final Draft
In support of this…
To conclude, I feel that…