New
New
Year 11
AQA

Writing a narrative with a compelling voice

I can use a convincing voice in my narrative writing.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Writing a narrative with a compelling voice

I can use a convincing voice in my narrative writing.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. We do not have to get to the resolution of a plot in a short story.
  2. We can manipulate time in our narrative to give it an interesting structure.
  3. When we manipulate time, we need to ensure we set up for the rest of the narrative to follow.
  4. We must maintain a consistent narrative voice throughout our work.
  5. Interspersing the plot with a narrator’s inner monologue can be a clever way to build tension.

Common misconception

Plot is the most important part of a narrative.

Voice is equally important to plot when writing a narrative. Ask students: if there was a resolution to the story but no distinct voice, how would the story change? Would it be effective, enjoyable?

Keywords

  • Ignominy - public shame or disgrace

  • Discern - to be able to see or recognise something

  • Bedraggled - wet, dirty, untidy

Ask a couple of pupils which narrative voice they are trying to create. As a class, draft some phrases that each voice would/would not say. Unpick why.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does ignominy mean?
public acceptance
public apology
Correct answer: public disgrace
Q2.
What is register when thinking about writing?
the personality of a voice
the emotion of a voice
Correct answer: the level of formality of a voice
Q3.
What is a 'guffaw'?
a wild cry
an intense game
Correct answer: a loud laugh
Q4.
Which of the below contributes to a sensitive voice?
Correct answer: 'Please don't judge me.'
'Call me clueless. Call me whatever you like.'
'I doubt you would know better.'
Q5.
What might we want to do in a short narrative to keep it interesting?
introduce as many characters as possible
give the plot a resolution
Correct answer: manipulate time
Q6.
What might we need to do in the exposition of a short narrative to ensure events develop in a believable way?
describe the weather for a long time
create a complete tone of calm
Correct answer: plant the seed for something to go wrong

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these might lead to someone feeling bedraggled?
Correct answer: walking through heavy downpour
having their hair and makeup done
going on a short jog
Q2.
When writing a short narrative, it is most important to …
give your story a resolution.
incorporate as many different characters as possible.
Correct answer: maintain a consistent narrative voice throughout paragraphs.
Q3.
What might be a clever way to delay the climax of your short story whilst maintaining voice?
describe the weather to add to the atmosphere
Correct answer: intersperse action with the narrator's inner monologue
use a simile to describe the scene
Q4.
Which of these examples would represent a blunt and harsh voice?
'He’s not the most attentive, bless him.'
Correct answer: 'He’s a bit soulless if you ask me.'
'He shows his love in unique ways, but I know it’s there.'
Q5.
What is true of narrative voice when writing a short story?
we need at least five voices to be shown
Correct answer: the main voice of our narrative should be emotionally connected to the plot
the narrator's voice should always be true to the writer's own
Q6.
How can we manipulate time in a text to create an interesting short story?
describe events in chronological order
intersperse the narrative with letters
Correct answer: begin the narrative with the climax

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