PARCC Prep: How to Approach the Narrative Writing Task

Narrative Writing Task  This task is trickier than it might appear. It’s not just about writing a story. It’s about analyzing a story or novel excerpt FIRST, then writing a story based on that.

 The task typically requires students to analyze the characters and conflict before writing. Here are a few examples:

7th NARRATIVE WRITING TASK: Today, you will read a passage from a novel. As you read, you will gather information to prepare for writing an original story…. THEN: At the end of the passage, Howie tells Kevin that he is not making a good case. Write an original story that describes what Kevin does next to try to change Howie’s mind about paying for Cromwell’s training. In writing your story: Consider what actions Kevin might take or what Kevin might say that would strengthen his case. Be sure to use what you have learned about the setting, characters, and plot of the passage.

8th NARRATIVE WRITING TASK:  Today you will read and answer questions on a story about a man seeking to complete an important mission. When you have finished reading and answering questions, you will write a narrative story using details from your reading….  THEN: Write a continuation of the story of Bahauddin Shah using details from the passage. Describe what you think might happen after Bahauddin Shah climbs out of the Salt Caverns. What obstacles might he face, and what actions might he take to overcome them?

So how can we prepare for this task?

Identify the Key Elements of a Story  Characters, Plot, Setting, Conflict, and Point of Vew.  One way for you to apply this understanding is to pull elements from the story and insert them into a “Pre-writing Organizer”  Note: How does the conflict drive the plot?

Infer the Character(s) Traits and Analyze the Characters.

 In order to complete the PARCC Narrative Writing Task you will need to analyze the given narrative, then carry it forward as the directions require.  You should not write a completely random story.  READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY

If the directions call for a story that follows from the original (as most do), then we need to read and annotate with the following questions in mind:  What do we know about the character?  What are his/her dominant traits?  What do we know about the character’s strengths and weaknesses?  What is the conflict, and how does it get resolved—or not?  What lesson does the character learn?  How will he/she see the world through different eyes?

Next, as we prepare to write, we need to answer this question: What are the potential sources of conflict for a sequel? Here are some options:

The original conflict gets revisited by a “mirror” character, and the main character has to help the new character learn the original lesson. So, if The Grinch met someone who hated Christmas, he could help the new guy learn how and why to appreciate it.

The main character has to figure out how to apply the newly-learned lesson. Now that I have this different perspective, how am I going to behave differently? For example, now that The Grinch’s heart has expanded, how will he live his life differently?

If the conflict is not resolved, how might it continue? Note: This is the most common question to address because the text excerpts are often short and leave the conflict unresolved.

Once we’ve chosen a source of conflict to pursue, you can begin to pre-write

After some quick pre- writing, it’s time to write your narrative.

Writing Tips and Techniques to Remember:  Catchy Hooks  Dialogue Format – Remember… -Quotation Marks and Punctuation -Every new speaker gets his/her own paragraph (You want to talk? Get your OWN paragraph!)

Writing Tips and Techniques to Remember:  Build Suspense  Use Sensory Details  Carry the Tone/Mood Forward  Use Figurative Language