Unit 7 Study Guide: Writing Narrative Text
Directions- This is a read-only document. You must make a copy for yourself to be able to type in the document. To make a copy, follow these instructions:
- Microsoft Office or Open Office Users: Click File > Download as > Microsoft Word OR OpenDocument Format
- Google Docs Users: Click File > Make a Copy to save the document to your Google Drive.
You should be completing this Study Guide and the Narrative Writing Presentation as you work through the lessons in Unit 7. Do NOT wait until you get to the end of the unit to complete the Study Guide and the presentation.
Google Docs users can click on the three lines in the upper left corner of this document to open the outline if it is not already open. You can use the outline to navigate to each section of the study guide.
You will submit your completed Study Guide AND your Narrative Writing Presentation to the dropbox at the end of Unit 7 Lesson 9.
Lesson 3: Beginning a Narrative
Key Concepts:
What are three techniques writers use to engage readers?
- Strong Opening Lines: Captivate with a hook.
- Vivid Descriptions: Use sensory language to create imagery.
- Intriguing Characters: Introduce characters with depth and motivation.
Narrative Technique
| Narrative Technique | What it tells about a narrator or character | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Point of view | Indicates the lens through which the story is told (1st person or 3rd person)| | Description/Sensory Language| Conveys mood and setting through detailed imagery | | Dialogue | Reveals character traits through interaction and speech |
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: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
- Third-person omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
Practice:
- Open the Narrative Writing Project and make a copy you can type in.
- Read the article “How to Use AI to Enhance Your Storytelling Process” by Matt Ellis.
- Read all instructions carefully.
- 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?
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction
- Mystery
- Romance
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 flashback can reveal crucial backstory that explains current motivations, thus heightening the stakes or urgency in the present narrative.
Practice:
- Open up the Narrative Writing Project that you started in the last lesson.
- Complete Section 2 Setting & Point of View (Slides 7-9).
Lesson 5: Plot in a Narrative
Key Concepts:
Plot refers to the main events or action in a narrative.
In a linear plot, events move in time order or in a straight line. In a nonlinear 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?
- Transitions or narrative markers (e.g., "Earlier that day," "Suddenly").
If an author chooses to use multiple plot lines, the plot lines should be interconnected.
Using the diagram below, label the elements of plot. Watch this short video if you need a refresher.
- Exposition
- Rising Action
- Climax
- Falling Action
- Resolution
Practice:
- Open up the Narrative Writing Project that you started in the previous lessons.
- Complete Section 3- Plot (Slides 10-14).
Lesson 6: Character
Key Concepts:
What is characterization?
- Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the personality of a character through actions, dialogue, thoughts, and description.
What are two techniques a writer can use to describe an interesting character?
- Direct Characterization: Clearly stating traits.
- Indirect Characterization: Showing traits through actions and interactions.
Dialogue breaks up the narration and can add depth to characters. Some of the things a writer can convey through dialogue are:
- Character Relationships
- Tone and Mood
- Conflict
Dialogue should serve a purpose. Unnecessary dialogue can bog down a story.
Practice:
- Open up the Narrative Writing Project that you started in the previous lessons.
- Complete Section 4- Characterization (Slides 15-17).
Lesson 7: Language
Key Concepts:
What is precise language?
- Precise language is specific, clear, and accurate word choice that conveys exact meaning.
What are telling details?
- Telling details are descriptive elements that evoke specific images, feelings, or impressions in the reader.
What are some techniques narrative writers use to choose sensory language that will enhance their descriptions of experiences, events, setting, and characters?
- Show, Don't Tell: Use imagery to depict feelings.
- Engage the Senses: Include visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory details.
- Use Metaphors and Similes: Create comparisons that enhance understanding.
| Figurative Language Term | Definition | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Allusion | An indirect reference to a person, place, or event.| | Hyperbole | Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally.| | Metaphor | A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things.| | Personification | Attributing human qualities to non-human things.| | Simile | A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as."|
Practice:
- Open up the Narrative Writing Project that you started in the previous lessons.
- 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?
- The central conflict.
In an external conflict, the main character is in conflict with an outside force, such as nature or another person.
In an internal conflict, the main character struggles with a decision within themselves, such as doing the right thing.
The climax in a story forces the main character to deal with the conflict.
A denouement is the conclusion of a story’s plot in which questions are answered and the central conflict is resolved.
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?
- Resolution of Conflict: Answers the main questions.
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression.
- Tie-In to Theme: Reflects the central message or theme.
What are three things a well-written conclusion SHOULD do?
- Offer closure on the main conflict.
- Reflect on the journey of the characters.
- Connect back to the story's theme or moral.
What are two things a well-written conclusion should NOT do?
- Introduce new plots or characters.
- Leave unresolved questions about the main conflict.
What should the closing lines of the story provide to the reader?
- The closing lines should provide a sense of completeness or resolution, imparting the theme or moral takeaway from the narrative.
Practice:
- Open up the Narrative Writing Project that you started in the previous lessons.
- Complete Section 6- Conclusion & Theme (Slides 21-25).
Finally, submit your completed Study Guide AND your Narrative Writing Project to the drop box at the end of Unit 7 Lesson 9.
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