Name:
Period:
Narrative Writing
A narrative is writing that tells a story. When writing a narrative, think back to our unit on short
stories. Just as a short story uses elements of plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and
resolution), so should your narrative. This means that your narrative should have a beginning
(introduction), middle (body), and end (conclusion). Remember, think about the literary devices that a
good short story uses (character, dialogue, flashback, foreshadow, symbolism, etc.). Your narrative
should use at least some of those devices.
A narrative differs from a standard five paragraph essay in that it does not follow the same rigid
guidelines that other essay formats do. For example, topic sentences, concluding sentences, supporting
details/ commentary are not used in the same way as they are in other types of essays. Each paragraph
should be 5 sentences in length (minimum).
This will be a timed writing assignment, similar to what you will see on the OGT. All work must be
turned in by the end of the period Friday, so be mindful of the clock.
This assignment will be worth 50 points. You will be scored based on your knowledge of narrative
writing, and also your ability to compose a coherent five paragraph essay in the allotted time. Because
this is a timed essay, you do not need to do an outline; however, it is highly recommended that you use
the back of this sheet to collect your thoughts before beginning. Write your essay on a separate sheet
of paper.
Select one of the prompts below and write a narrative that is five paragraphs in length.
1. Write a story about a narrow escape from trouble. The events may be real or imagined. Tell what the
trouble was, who (or what creature) escaped it, and how. Develop your story with details.
2. After several months of books, essays, tests, and hard work, many students look forward to summer
break. Write a story about your best summer break.
3. Some days are really fun or exciting. A great day can happen anywhere or anytime. Think about a
great day you have experienced or one that you wish you could have experienced. Think and write
about what happened that made it a great day.
4. Choose a vivid time from your childhood -- You might think of the first time that you rode a school
bus, of a time when you went to the principal’s office, the first A you earned on a test or paper, earning
money to buy something that you really wanted, and so on. Narrate the events related to the childhood
memory that you've chosen so that your readers will understand why the event was important and
memorable.
Use the space on the back to brainstorm: