Narrative vs. Expository

Different forms of writing T-P-S What is a narrative story? T-P-S What are some narrative stories you’ve read in class?

Different forms of writing T-P-S What would an expository story entail? When your teacher shows you a book, decide if it’s narrative or expository.

Different forms of writing Just like with books, when you’re writing there are two styles: Narrative – When you write to tell a story Expository – When you write to explain something

How do you know which to write? Read the prompt carefully and look for the clue words. Explain = Write an expository Tell a story = Write a narrative

Example Prompt Everyone enjoys having a classroom job. Think about which classroom job you like to have. Now write to explain why you like to have that classroom job. T-P-S Would this prompt be expository or narrative? How do you know? T-P-S What is the topic you’d write about? How do you know?

Example Prompt Everyone enjoys having a classroom job. Think about which classroom job you like to have. Now write a story about a time you got to choose your own classroom job for the day. T-P-S Would this prompt be expository or narrative? How do you know? T-P-S What is the topic you’d write about? How do you know?

Example Prompt Some people think it would be fun to be the President of the United States for a day. Decide if you think it would be fun to be President for a day. Write to explain why it would or would not be fun to be President for a day? T-P-S Would this prompt be expository or narrative? How do you know? T-P-S What is the topic you’d write about? How do you know?

Example Prompt Everyone has seen movies or read books about people with super human powers. Imagine you could have a super human power for a day. Write a story about having a super human power for a day. T-P-S Would this prompt be expository or narrative? How do you know? T-P-S What is the topic you’d write about? How do you know?

Example Prompt Many people dream of winning the lottery. Imagine if you won the lottery. Now write a story about what would happen if you won the lottery. T-P-S Would this prompt be expository or narrative? How do you know? T-P-S What is the topic you’d write about? How do you know?

Example Prompt Many animals are endangered because they are not protected. Think about what you could do to protect these animals. Write to explain the ways you could protect these animals. T-P-S Would this prompt be expository or narrative? How do you know? T-P-S What is the topic you’d write about? How do you know?

Review What key words in the prompt tell you to write a narrative essay? What does it mean to write a narrative essay? What key words in the prompt tell you to write an expository essay? What does it mean to write an expository essay?

Individual Practice Decide whether the following prompts on the overhead are narrative or expository. Give a thumbs up for narrative or a thumbs down for expository.

Example Prompt Everyone remembers a special day. Think about a special day you experienced. Now, write to explain why that day was special.

Example Prompt It’s always fun to find something. Think about a time you or someone else found something. Now, write a story about the time you or someone else found something.

Example Prompt Imagine you could travel to a particular time in the past. Think about what it would be like to be in the past. Now, write to explain why you would like to travel to the past.

Example Prompt Everyone has something special they like to do. Think about something special you like to do. Now, write to explain what you enjoy doing. On your whiteboard, create a happy alien for this prompt.

Example Prompt Everyone has a favorite day of the week. Think about your favorite day of the week. Now, write to explain why this is your favorite day of the week.

Example Prompt Everyone enjoys an adventure. Imagine you went on an adventure through an open doorway. Write a story about your adventure through an open doorway.