STEPS TO WRITING WELL Jean Wyrick © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

narration Chapter 17 © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Figure 17.1 visualizing the process: narration © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Narration (slide 1 of 2) Writing the Effective Narrative Essay Sample Student Essay © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Narration (slide 2 of 2) Two Kinds of Narration An extended narrative, or long episode, that illustrates a thesis A brief narrative, a shorter incident that supports a point in a body paragraph © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Writing the effective narrative essay (slide 1 of 2) Know your purpose. Is the narrative meant to inform readers or persuade them? Present your main point clearly. The thesis can occur at the beginning or at the end, or writers imply a main point in unfolding action and descriptive details. Follow a logical time sequence. Use chronological order or flashbacks. © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Writing the effective narrative essay (slide 2 of 2) Use sensory details to hold your readers’ interest. Describe the setting and other elements in vivid details. Create authentic characters. Use detail. Use dialogue realistically. Dialogue adds emphasis, dramatic effect and realism. © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Problems to avoid Choose your subject carefully. Limit your scope. The best narrative is often what the writer is familiar with. Limit your scope. In an extended narrative, avoid writing about a series of actions that are too long or complex. Don’t let your story lag or wander. Avoid insignificant details and pay attention to pacing. © 2017 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.