Narrative Writing

Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance

You can use a variety of techniques to hook a reader's attention.

Some examples would include: interesting facts or trivia, anecdote, metaphor, surprise statement, description, or questions.

Dialogue: spoken words of characters EX: "Where did you go?" she asked. I said, "Leave me alone."

Pacing: speed at which a story is told (can be used to speed up or slow down the story) Elements: action, cliffhanger, word choice

Description: sensory details- looks like, sounds like, feels like, and smells or tastes like EX: The sunset filled the sky with a deep red flame, setting the clouds ablaze

Reflection: writer describes a real or imaginary scene and adds a personal reflection on its meaning Ask yourself questions

Semicolon(;) used to link two independent clauses EX: We had too many fumbles; we lost the game

Colon(:) used to precede a list of items, a quotation, or an expansion or explanation EX: I ordered these supplies: potatoes, sugar, coffee, and eggs.

Comma(,) indicating a pause between parts of a sentence. EX: John did his homework, packed his bag, and went to sleep.