Planning a narrative using the five part narrative structure
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan a well-structured piece of narrative writing inspired by a character from a story I have read using single paragraph outlines.
Key learning points
- The 5 part narrative structure divides a story into: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.
- Each section of the narrative does not have to have the same number of paragraphs.
- Single paragraph outlines are a way of planning a narrative paragraph.
- Single paragraph outlines have topic and concluding sentences written in full, and supporting detail in note form.
- To further structure your piece, you could link the concluding sentence of paragraphs to the next topic sentence.
Keywords
Miller - a person who grinds grain to make flour
Third person omniscient - the narrator isn't a character in the story and presents the feelings and experiences of multiple characters using pronouns like 'she', 'he', 'they', 'it'
First person - the narrator is a character in the story using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'
Single paragraph outlines - a way of planning a paragraphs by preparing the first and final sentences, as well the detail in the middle
Wily - cunning
Common misconception
Each section of the five part narrative structure equals one paragraph in your writing.
The five part narrative structure is a helpful way to help plan plot and character. However, some sections might be longer than others. Some might require multiple paragraphs, others just one.
Teacher tip
Consider if you would like to use a different character or story in the model five part narrative structure in Learning Cycle 1.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the first, put these sub-headings from the five part narrative structure ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire') in chronological order.
Q2.Match the sub-headings of the five part narrative structure to their function. ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
establishes character/setting; introduces a problem
develops character and problem
most intense, and often deciding moment, of a story
aftermath of climax
how the story ends
Q3.Match each perspective to its definition ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
the narrator is a character in the story using pronouns like 'I'
the narrator speaks directly to the reader using 'you'
narrator isn't a character in the story, explores multiple characters
narrator isn't a character in the story, focuses on one character
Q4.What do we learn about the character of the Miller in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q5.Match each character, all from 'Myths, legends and stories that inspire', to what we know about them.
a formidable storyteller
a tyrannical king
a renowned warrior
Queen of England for 9 days in 1553
a powerful water goddess
a cursed woman
Q6.The five part narrative structure is made up of exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each aspect of the single paragraph outline to its function. ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea
the vocabulary and techniques you will rely on in the paragraph
the final sentence of a paragraph
Q2.Which section(s) of the single paragraph outline should be written in note form? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q3.What is true of the five part narrative structure? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q4.Which of these sentences uses the word wily (or a form of it) correctly? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q5.A is the first sentence of a paragraph which states its main idea. ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q6.The five part narrative structure is made up of exposition, rising action, , falling action and resolution ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Planning a narrative using the five part narrative structure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Planning a narrative using the five part narrative structure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Myths, legends and stories that inspire unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.