Writing a narrative with a compelling voice
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a convincing voice in my narrative writing.
Key learning points
- We do not have to get to the resolution of a plot in a short story.
- We can manipulate time in our narrative to give it an interesting structure.
- When we manipulate time, we need to ensure we set up for the rest of the narrative to follow.
- We must maintain a consistent narrative voice throughout our work.
- Interspersing the plot with a narrator’s inner monologue can be a clever way to build tension.
Keywords
Ignominy - public shame or disgrace
Discern - to be able to see or recognise something
Bedraggled - wet, dirty, untidy
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?
Teacher tip
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.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does ignominy mean?
Q2.What is register when thinking about writing?
Q3.What is a 'guffaw'?
Q4.Which of the below contributes to a sensitive voice?
Q5.What might we want to do in a short narrative to keep it interesting?
Q6.What might we need to do in the exposition of a short narrative to ensure events develop in a believable way?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these might lead to someone feeling bedraggled?
Q2.When writing a short narrative, it is most important to …
Q3.What might be a clever way to delay the climax of your short story whilst maintaining voice?
Q4.Which of these examples would represent a blunt and harsh voice?
Q5.What is true of narrative voice when writing a short story?
Q6.How can we manipulate time in a text to create an interesting short story?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Writing a narrative with a compelling voice, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Writing a narrative with a compelling voice, 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 4 English lessons from the Fiction: inner musings unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.