1. Narrative Structure Karen Silvestri, Instructional Specialist
Once upon a time…
Karen Silvestri, Instructional Specialist
The Learning Center at Robeson Community College

2. What do you think is happening in this picture?

3. Telling a Story Something that happened to you
Something that happened to someone else
Something you saw
Something you read

4. Structure Chronological order (the order in which events took place)
First person (I, we)
Third person (he, she, they, etc.)

5. Paragraphs Topic Sentence What will your narrative be about?
Supporting Details
Where did it happen? When did it happen? Who was there? What happened?

6. Essays
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Supporting Paragraphs
Conclusion

7. A Good Narrative (Story)
Be clear
Did you provide enough information for the reader to follow your story?
Be interesting
Use descriptive words to paint a picture of the scenes to your reader.
Stay in order
Use time order to help your reader follow the story.

8. Don’t forget! Transitions
Add transitions to help your narrative flow well.
Formal language
Consider your audience; who are you writing the narrative for?
Word choice
Remove or change slang, clichés, and excessive words.
Title
Come up with a creative title for your narrative
Proofread
Use spell check or have someone review your work

9. Sample Narrative Paragraph
Transitions
Topic sentence
Descriptive language

10. You try! What story would you like to tell?
A story about someone who succeeded
A story about how you got your name
A story about a time you overcame something
A story about someone or something you lost
You get the idea…..
Happy Writing!