Using emotion-led plot and detailed description to write an excellent narrative | English

Starter quiz

What makes an excellent narrative?

the most sophisticated vocabulary possible

precise vocabulary chosen for effect ✓

figurative language used to create vivid imagery ✓

an example of every linguistic device used

lots of speech and characters communicating with each other
How many nouns are in the following sentence: He was cavorting around like a bull fresh into the ring.

one

two ✓

three

four

five
Which adjective would be the most specific to describe this street?

thin

close

narrow ✓

crowded

cramped
Which of the following is the most useful simile?

He was as angry as a bull.

She was as fearless as a lion.

She was sweeter than honey.

She had the spirit of an unbroken horse. ✓

His eyes were as deep as the ocean.
Which of these uses punctuation not only accurately, but also for effect?

The shop was chaotic: clothes all over the floor and receipts strewn around.

It was always when Mr Smith was teaching (if you could call it that). ✓

The silence spoke the words that Ethan hadn't been able to ... ✓

Henry's best friend had always been by his side.

The house at the end of the street was strange - really strange. ✓
Which of the following is the best description of this picture?

The cliffs sat on top of the ocean waters.

The vast cliffs stretched for miles along the coastline.

The cliffs met the sea in a frothy handshake.

The mouth of the cliff yawned out onto the open waters of the ocean. ✓

When using single paragraph outlines to plan your narrative, each single paragraph outline covers one of your three ______.

'emotions' ✓
What is the role of the topic sentence in the single paragraph outline for a narrative?

to introduce yourself to the reader

to give your opinion

to introduce the main ideas ✓

to give details to support your ideas
How many ideas do you need for your supporting detail?

one minimum

two minimum

three minimum ✓

four minimum

five minimum
Which sentence uses the word 'luscious' properly?

I could luscious his hair from where I stood.

His hair was the colour of a raven and luscioused down his back.

His hair was the colour of luscious, cascading down his back.

Thick and luscious hair cascaded down his back. ✓
Which of the following uses the word, or a form of the word 'discernible' properly?

I wanted to be discerned by him.

I greeted him with great discern.

The two colours were not discernible from one another. ✓

I could not discern exactly where he was from. ✓

This act had been a discernible one - it was shocking!
Which of the following is the best description of this lion's paws?

His immense paws, like two giant boxing gloves, were posed in front of him. ✓

His immense paws, like two giant boulders, were posed in front of him.

His immense paws, like two giant whales, were posed in front of him.

His immense paws, like two giant mammoths, were posed in front of him.

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Narratives that try to tell too much story are often unsuccessful
Using an emotion-led narrative will help keep your plot manageable so you don't try and say too much
Single paragraph outlines can be used to plan each section of your narrative
Figurative language can be used to make the descriptions within your narrative more vivid

Students think that they need to write an 'exciting' story which includes lots of action.

A genuinely engaging story allows the reader to empathise with the character(s) and experience the same emotions as them, at the same time.

Discernible - If something is discernible, it is recognisable.
Shear - If you shear a sheep, you are cutting its fleece to use for wool.
Disassociate - If you no longer want to be attached to someone or something, you might disassociate from them or it.
Reckless - Somebody reckless does not think about the consequences of their actions before acting.
Luscious - Somebody with luscious hair would have thick, glossy and well-kept hair.