English Language Topic
Essay and Narrative Writing
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Study focus - 3 things
- Essay writing presents ideas clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Narrative writing tells a story with characters, setting, conflict, and resolution
- Planning before writing helps your ideas stay organised and focused
Section 1Essay writing
An essay explains or argues ideas in an organised way. A basic essay has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on one main point.
Section 2Strong paragraphs
A clear paragraph usually has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing or linking sentence. Here's the trick: if a sentence does not support the paragraph's main idea, move it or cut it.
Section 3Narrative writing
A narrative tells a story. It needs characters, setting, a problem or conflict, and a resolution. Dialogue and description can help, but the story still needs a clear sequence of events.
Section 4Planning and timing
In exams, spend a few minutes planning before you write. A quick plan can stop your essay from drifting or your story from ending suddenly. Watch out: a strong beginning is good, but the ending needs care too.
Examples
An essay paragraph starts: 'School uniforms help students focus.' What should the rest of the paragraph do?
It should give reasons, examples, or explanation supporting that point, not jump to a new topic.
Plan a narrative about getting caught in rain after school in Kingston.
A simple plan could be: setting outside school, conflict when dark clouds burst, rising action trying to get home, climax missing the bus, resolution getting help or learning a lesson.
Now let's water it
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