Hello
students,
It is good
to see you again!
Today’s lab
session will be devoted to study the parts of a story.
What do you
think are the important elements of a story?
Did you know...?
Aesop was a
writer from Ancient Greece, who is thought to have lived around 600 years BC, and
is credited with having written a number of well-known fables. Accounts of his
life often refer to him having been a slave, who gains his freedom through the
strength of the advice he gives to his masters. Here you will see one of Aesop’s
famous fables.
|
The Boy Who
Cried Wolf
1. Watch the
following video:
2. Take notes regarding the following aspects:
- Place
- Earlier events
- Climax
- The final outcome
The Narrative Writing Diamond
This diamond represents the different parts of a story. This is only one way to see the different parts of a story. Why do you think the widest part of this diamond is the main event?
Now let's see each part separately.
Entertaining Beginning
The
beginning must “hook” the reader and make them feel compelled to read on. The
author might use an interesting action, dialogue or exclamation, the main
character’s thoughts, or feelings, raise story questions or even use a sound to
grab the reader’s attention. Stories should begin as close to the main event as
possible.
Starting
Off on the right foot!
One way to
make your writing more interesting and entertaining is by starting off with a
great, attention grabbing beginning! Here are some techniques authors use to
begin their stories:
Elaborative Detail
A
descriptive segment (3-4 sentences long) which describes a story critical
setting, character, or object will help draw the reader in and help the reader
experience the fictional world through the five senses of the main character.
Detail generating questions
What
feelings look like?
Another
aspect of elaborative detail is “showing rather than telling”. This helps revealing
a character’s feelings.
Ex. Jack
was really mad. That would be telling.
Jack
stamped his feet. His face turned a deep shade of red. He slammed his fist on the
table. This would be showing.
Look at the
examples below and add two descriptions for each feeling.
Suspense
The ability
to leave the reader hanging or wondering what will happen next is a powerful
writing technique. To convey a sense of urgency or anticipation you can use red flag words such as suddenly,
just then, or before I knew it signal a transition in the story.
Another technique
is to use Word Referents.
Tease the
reader by not immediately revealing what “it” is. Describe a story critical
character or object without naming it. Use word referents instead.
Ex. Instead
of writing: I saw a dragon in the cave.
Use word referents. The creature was huge and dark as night. It made a soft rumbling sound.
I could feel the mythical beast’s hot breath on my face. (What is it? The
reader is dying to know!)
Main Events
The main
event is the problem, adventure, or experience that the story is all about. The
important thing here is not to summarize but make a scene!
Question to
elaborate a fully elaborated main event.
Extended Endings
The
extended ending comes after the conclusion of the event. It should leave the
reader satisfied that the story is over. You can use the following hints to
write your extended ending:
LabWork
|
Using all your notes taken previously and the narrative writing diamond tips, write the story for the video you’ve watched.
- Work in groups of 3 or 4
- Write this fable following the next structure:
- Beginning: 1 paragraph
- Elaborated detail: 1 paragraph
- Suspense: 1 paragraph
- Main events: 2 paragraphs
- Extended ending: 1 paragraph
EACH PARAGRAPH SHOULD CONSIST OF AT LEAST 4 SENTENCES.
Remember to share the document with your teacher.
Deadline: Friday 4th of October.
Deadline: Friday 4th of October.
