Writing: Narrative Writing Techniques Flashcards

Which structure best describes a typical narrative?

Answer: Orientation, complication, rising action, climax, resolution

A narrative introduces the characters and setting (orientation), adds a problem (complication), builds tension to a climax and then resolves it. The other options are structures for persuasive, scientific or report writing.

Which sentence best shows a character's nervousness instead of telling the reader about it?

Answer: Mia's hands trembled as she twisted the hem of her shirt.

'Show, don't tell' means using actions and physical details to reveal a feeling. Trembling hands and fidgeting show nervousness without naming the emotion.

What is the main purpose of the orientation in a narrative?

Answer: To introduce the characters, setting and situation

The orientation sets the scene. It tells the reader who is involved, where and when the story happens, and what the situation is before the complication arrives.

Which opening sentence is most likely to hook a reader into a narrative?

Answer: The phone rang at 3 a.m., and Sam already knew who it was.

An engaging opening creates suspense or curiosity straight away. A late-night phone call that Sam is expecting raises questions the reader wants answered.

A writer describes 'the wind howled like a wounded animal.' Which language device is this?

Answer: Simile

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'. Here the wind is compared to a wounded animal.

Which is the most common weakness in narrative endings that markers penalise?

Answer: Ending with 'and then I woke up and it was all a dream'

An 'it was all a dream' ending erases the complication without resolving it, which weakens the story's structure and cohesion. The other options are signs of a strong resolution.