Reading a Narrative Selection
When you see a narrative selection on the OSSLT, you are quite often reading a story.
Narrative selections are told from a defined point of view, often the author's through a main
character, so there is feeling as well as specific and often sensory details provided to get the
reader involved in the elements and sequence of the story.
The verbs are vivid and precise. The narrative selection makes a point about an issue or
theme, commonly called the “moral” of the story.
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When the
writer uses this technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling:
plot, character, setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details that are carefully
selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of the details relate to the main point the
writer is attempting to make.
To summarize, the narrative selection:
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is told from a particular point of view
makes and supports a point
is filled with precise detail
uses vivid verbs and modifiers
uses conflict and sequence as does any story
may use dialogue
When reading this type of text, you might consider using the following strategies:
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Read through the questions which appear at the end of the reading first. Reading the
questions helps in predicting what the selection is about and also assists in providing a
mental framework for you to focus your reading.
Read the complete selection
Read one question at a time.
Find the information in the text that helps you answer the question.
Record your answer to the question.
Go to the next question.
Note: Answer the questions based on your reading of the selection, not just your general
knowledge of the topic.
To discuss or analyze short stories, you need to understand the elements of short stories which are:
Be able to identify the following elements that are present in a story:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
List and describe the main character(s).
Where and when does the story take place?
What is the author’s purpose in telling the story?
What important things do the characters say?
What is the moral of the story?
Visualizing
Think-Aloud
Visualization is an important skill because it helps to ensure that you understand the concepts
in the story. Visualization can help you to focus, remember, and apply your learning.
In the column on the left indicate parts of the text that either stood out for you or parts that you
had trouble understanding or visualizing. In the column on the right indicate what mind
pictures emerged as you read that piece of text.
Text
Think-Aloud
Example:
Example:
How one moment can change your life is
amazing. This was two years ago. I’m still
going to physical therapy. Oh how I wish I
could take that day back.
I can imagine the guy looking at himself in the
mirror every day and the pain he must
experience in therapy.
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Most/Least Important Ideas
To determine the most important idea (the theme) in a short story, organize the ideas into
most important (the events and dialogue that are important in helping to communicate the
theme message) AND least important (the details that make the story interesting, but do not
necessarily help to communicate the theme).
Most Important Ideas and Information
Least Important Ideas and Information
Key Idea from Passage (Theme):
(write out the theme statement)
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SAMPLE
TIP:
 Quotation marks mean someone
is speaking
 There will be a new paragraph
each time a new person speaks
TIP:
 You can tell how people feel by
the use of descriptive words
like: “whined”, “wailed”.
TIP:
 Look for words that show the
progression of events in the
story.
TIP:
 Words are italicized to show
emphasis when someone is
speaking.
Answering Multiple Choice Writing Questions
Before you answer multiple-choice questions, make sure you:
 Read each question before you look at the answers.
 Try to come up with the answer in your head before looking at the provided answers, this way
the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.
 Read each answer carefully; don’t skip words.
 Eliminate answers you know are wrong.
 Read over the remaining choices before choosing your answer.
 Choose the best or most correct answer.
Which of these
two words sound
best and help
complete the
sentence?
These two words
don’t sound right
in the sentence.
When answering multiple-choice writing questions, be sure to:
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Read each question fully.
Look for main ideas if presented with reading points.
Pay attention to words that should be CAPITALIZED.
Pay attention to PUNCTUATION
Choose the best or most correct answer
o Rule out obviously incorrect details
Fill in the proper letter on the Student Answer Sheet.
o Make sure you have filled in the bubble completely
using pencil or blue/black pen
ANSWERING MULTIPLE CHOICE
WRITING QUESTIONS
Think About It:
 This sentence focus is
on raising money.
 The other sentences
focus on Gretzky’s
hockey career.
Think About It:
.

Names, places, Titles
(newspaper) are
capitalized.