Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the MOST effective way to describe a character's internal conflict in a narrative?
Which of the following is the MOST effective way to describe a character's internal conflict in a narrative?
- Stating the character's thoughts and feelings directly to the reader.
- Using elaborate metaphors and similes to illustrate the character's emotional state.
- Providing a lengthy description of the character's physical appearance.
- Showing the character's conflicting desires through their dialogue and actions. (correct)
In the context of narrative writing, what is the primary purpose of the exposition?
In the context of narrative writing, what is the primary purpose of the exposition?
- To provide background information and establish the setting and characters. (correct)
- To introduce the main conflict and create tension.
- To resolve the central conflict and provide closure.
- To showcase the writer's descriptive abilities through the use of figurative language.
A narrative includes the sentence, 'The rain fell like diamonds from the sky'. What is the most effective revision to make to this sentence, based on the advice given?
A narrative includes the sentence, 'The rain fell like diamonds from the sky'. What is the most effective revision to make to this sentence, based on the advice given?
- The rain lashed down, each drop a shard of ice against the window. (correct)
- The sky wept.
- The rain fell heavily.
- The rain was torrential.
Which of the following narratives would be LEAST suitable, according to the advice given?
Which of the following narratives would be LEAST suitable, according to the advice given?
Why is accuracy in grammar and punctuation emphasized as a key element of a successful narrative?
Why is accuracy in grammar and punctuation emphasized as a key element of a successful narrative?
What is the MOST likely consequence of a narrative that deviates significantly from a clear narrative arc?
What is the MOST likely consequence of a narrative that deviates significantly from a clear narrative arc?
Which of the following best describes the effect of using direct speech that is stilted and unnatural?
Which of the following best describes the effect of using direct speech that is stilted and unnatural?
What is the MOST significant risk of including too many characters in a narrative?
What is the MOST significant risk of including too many characters in a narrative?
In the sample narrative discussed, what is the significance of Romeo being locked in his dressing room?
In the sample narrative discussed, what is the significance of Romeo being locked in his dressing room?
Why should writers avoid excessively relying on personal narratives centered around 'end-of-the-world' scenarios?
Why should writers avoid excessively relying on personal narratives centered around 'end-of-the-world' scenarios?
Flashcards
Narrative Arc
Narrative Arc
Follows a clear structure: beginning, middle, end, with exposition, climax, and resolution, to give the story direction.
Avoid Cliches
Avoid Cliches
Avoid overused expressions. Aim for originality in descriptions and imagery to make your writing stand out.
Character & Setting Description
Character & Setting Description
Develop characters with physical traits, clothing, speech, and interactions. Use precise word choices and avoid excessive metaphors.
Write From Personal Experience
Write From Personal Experience
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Accuracy
Accuracy
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Study Notes
- This video provides tips for writing a successful narrative for IGCSE English Paper 2
- The video covers both what to do and what not to do in narrative writing
- A sample narrative responding to the May/June 2022 Paper 2 question, "Cancelled," will be provided.
Narrative Arc
- A narrative should have a clear narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and end
- A conventional narrative arc includes an exposition, climax, and ending to give the story direction
- Narratives should avoid plots where "nothing really happens."
Avoid Cliches
- Refrain from using clichés in descriptive language and imagery
- Instead of unoriginal imagery, such as comparing stars to "shiny diamonds in the sky," use original imagery
Character and Setting Description
- Descriptions of characters and settings must use language and technique carefully for vivid visuals
- Fully rounded characters should be created with attention to their physical appearance, clothing, speech, and interactions
- Avoid overloading a narrative with numerous characters
- Direct speech should be punctuated accurately and elevate characterization
- Dialogue such as "Hi Fred, did you have a nice weekend? Yeah, it was okay," doesn't develop characters
- Precise word choices are more effective for descriptions
- Deliberate adjective and adverb choices add quality to descriptions
- Avoid overuse of metaphors, similes, and personification
Write From Personal Experience
- Draw from personal experiences when writing narratives
- Personal experiences can be embellished with extra details using poetic license
- Avoid writing narratives about "end-of-the-world" scenarios, paranormal events, gruesome death scenes, true crime, alien invasions, or witch-related stories
Accuracy
- Accuracy is key to a successful narrative
- Avoid errors in tense, missing or incorrect auxiliary verbs, and incorrect comma usage
- Occasional mistakes are acceptable, but frequent grammatical errors that impede meaning are not
Sample Narrative: "Cancelled"
- A narrative written in response to the May/June 2022 Paper 2 question with the title "Cancelled" is provided
- The narrative features an excessively confident, self-absorbed character named Romeo, who stars in a school play
- Romeo gets locked in his dressing room and cannot perform in the play
- Romeo's understudy, Robbie, takes his place and is praised in the school paper
- The narrative explores themes of ego and self-importance
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