Characterisation:
•Physical descriptions
•Emotional and personality descriptions (what are they thinking about? how are they feeling?)
•Sense of relationship between characters; interaction between the characters
Plot:
•5 stages of narrative development
•Integration of main plot and sub-plot
•Relevance to topic
•Impact and interest to reader (interest value; use of twist; use of moral lesson)
Literary techniques:
•Use of flashback
•Use of time lapse
•Description of environment (setting)
•Use of dialogue
Language:
•Accuracy of tenses
•Accuracy of plurals
•Accuracy of vocabulary (spelling and usage)
•Accurate punctuation and paragraphing
•Relevance of content to the topic
We have also examined some of the common mistakes that were made in this round of narrative writing. We have learnt that we must exercise the following:
- Do not start your sentences with "but", "so", or "because".
- Avoid using words in parentheses (E.g. I decided to "punish" him just a little) just because you are unable to find a suitable word. Consider using a phrase instead.
- Commas should not be used to join separate thoughts or ideas. Instead, use connectors like "and", "in addition", "also", "furthermore", etc.
- When using new vocabulary, make sure you know the proper definition and use the word accurately.
- Tenses must be consistent in a paragraph or incident/account. If you are writing about a past event, you have to use past tense. If you used past tense in a paragraph or an incident/account, make sure past tense is used throughout the paragraph.
- When writing your essay, BE FOCUSSED on the topic. Do not spend too much time on other areas/subplots of your essay.
Reflection:
After going through all this, how do you think such information will be useful to you in your future writing assignments? Is there anything you will try to take better note of? Which aspects of essay writing do you personally feel you are weak in?
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