Model Answer: Narrative Writing

In Section B of Paper 2, you’ll have four titles to choose from: Questions 2 and 3 are for descriptive writing, while Questions 4 and 5 focus on narrative writing. Each option is worth 40 marks, but you only need to choose one (either descriptive or narrative). While narrative writing may include some descriptive elements, and vice versa, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two styles and tailor your response accordingly. Take the time to consider all four titles before choosing the one that best suits your strengths as a writer.

The following guide provides a model answer for narrative writing, based on a past exam task.

 

Planning Your Narrative Writing

 Once you’ve picked your title, spend around 10 minutes planning your response. A solid plan will help you structure your ideas and ensure your story stays cohesive and engaging.

Here’s what to focus on during your planning:

• Decide on the main event of your story. Keep it focused—don’t try to include too many twists or characters.
• Think about the tone and atmosphere you want to create.
• Consider how to introduce your setting and characters quickly and effectively.
• Plan a clear resolution or ending for your story—it could be a satisfying conclusion or a suspenseful cliffhanger, but avoid clichés like ‘I woke up and it was all a dream.’
• Use a simple structure, like Freytag’s Pyramid (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution), to map out the flow of your story.

 

Model Answer: Narrative Writing

 The below model answer is based on the below question:

 

Write a story that involves solving a problem.

 

 

Summary

• Plan the structure and "flow" of your story carefully.
• Focus on a single setting and limit your story to no more than two main characters.
• Vary both your sentence and paragraph lengths to keep your writing dynamic.
• Use imagery and literary techniques to make your story vivid and engaging.
• Develop your characters through indirect characterisation to make them realistic and relatable.
• Think of your story as a “scene” from a film:
  • The reader does not need to know every detail about your characters.
  • Immerse the reader by “showing” rather than telling, using sensory descriptions and rich vocabulary.
• Ensure your writing is technically accurate, with proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.