Unit 7 Study Guide: Writing Narrative Text
Lesson Name & Number
Lesson 3: Beginning a Narrative
Key Concepts:
What are three techniques writers use to engage readers?
- Point of view: The perspective from which the story is told.
- Description/Sensory Language: Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses to immerse the reader in the narrative.
- Dialogue: Conversations between characters that reveal their personalities and advance the plot.
Narrative Technique:
- Point of view: First-person point of view is when the narrator telling the story is also a character in the story.
What is the difference between third-person limited point of view and third-person omniscient point of view?
- Third-person limited point of view: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character.
- Third-person omniscient point of view: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and make a copy.
- Read the article “How to Use AI to Enhance Your Storytelling Process” by Matt Ellis.
- Complete Section 1- Main Ideas (Slides 3-6).
Lesson 4: Structure
Key Concepts:
- A genre is a category of writing or other creative work that can be identified by its structure, content, and style.
What are some examples of fiction subgenres?
- Mystery, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction.
What three narrative elements do all subgenres of fiction share?
- Characters
- Setting
- Plot
- A flashback is an interruption in a narrative that gives readers information about something that happened at an earlier time.
How could a writer use a flashback to create tension in a narrative?
- A writer could reveal critical backstory that hints at a current dilemma, creating suspense and engaging the reader’s curiosity about how the past impacts the present.
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and complete Section 2 Setting & Point of View (Slides 7-9).
Lesson 5: Plot in a Narrative
Key Concepts:
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Plot refers to the main events or action in a narrative.
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In a linear plot, events move in time order or in a straight line. In a non-linear plot, events do NOT move in time order or in a straight line.
What do authors use to indicate a change in time or setting or a progression in the plot of a story?
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Transition phrases, chapter breaks, or scene changes.
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If an author chooses to use multiple plot lines, the plot lines should be intertwined or connected.
Using the diagram below, label the elements of plot.
- Exposition
- Rising Action
- Climax
- Falling Action
- Resolution
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and complete Section 3- Plot (Slides 10-14).
Lesson 6: Character
Key Concepts:
What is characterization?
- Characterization is the process by which a writer reveals the personality of a character.
What are two techniques a writer can use to describe an interesting character?
- Direct characterization (stating traits directly).
- Indirect characterization (revealing traits through actions, dialogue, and thoughts).
- Dialogue breaks up the narration and can add depth to characters. Some elements conveyed through dialogue include:
- Character relationships
- Personality traits
- Emotional state
- Dialogue should serve a purpose. Unnecessary dialogue can bog down a story.
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and complete Section 4- Characterization (Slides 15-17).
Lesson 7: Language
Key Concepts:
What is precise language?
- Precise language refers to specific and clear wording that enhances the reader's understanding.
What are telling details?
- Telling details are specific pieces of information that convey a vivid and accurate picture in the reader's mind.
What are some techniques narrative writers use to choose sensory language that will enhance their descriptions of experiences, events, setting, and characters?
- Use adjectives and adverbs that paint a clear picture.
- Include metaphors and similes to enhance imagery.
- Appeal to all five senses to create a rich experience.
| Figurative Language Term | Definition | |------------------------------|----------------| | Allusion | A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art. | | Hyperbole | Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. | | Metaphor | A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as". | | Personification | The attribution of human qualities to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts. | | Simile | A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as". |
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and complete Section 5- Dialogue (Slides 18-20).
Lesson 8: Concluding a Narrative
Key Concepts:
What is the major problem faced by the main character in a story?
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The central conflict.
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In an external conflict, the main character is in conflict with an outside force, such as nature or another person.
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In an internal conflict, the main character struggles with a decision within themself, such as doing the right thing.
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The crisis in a story forces the main character to deal with the conflict.
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A denouement is the conclusion of a story’s plot in which questions are answered and the central conflict is resolved.
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A reflection refers to a character’s or narrator’s thoughtful examination of experiences and events.
What are the characteristics of a well-written conclusion?
- It ties up loose ends.
- It provides closure for the reader.
- It reinforces the main theme.
What are three things a well-written conclusion SHOULD do?
- Summarize the main points or themes.
- Provide insight or a takeaway for the reader.
- Leave a lasting impression.
What are two things a well-written conclusion should NOT do?
- Introduce new conflicts or characters.
- Feel rushed or abrupt; it should flow naturally from the narrative.
What should the closing lines of the story provide to the reader?
- A sense of resolution or a powerful final thought that resonates with the overall narrative.
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and complete Section 6- Conclusion & Theme (Slides 21-25).
Finally, submit your completed Study Guide AND your Narrative Writing Project to the dropbox at the end of Unit 7 Lesson 9.
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