Score A in SPM English Essay Paper? 

Narrative Compositions

1. Narrative essays are short imaginative stories or accounts of experience. It is easier to write about incidents one has experienced. Narratives that are written well will capture the interest of readers.

2. A question stating the gist of the narrative or title of the narrative is provided. Sometimes, a series of words to start or end a story may be provided.

3. Read the question carefully, study the notes provided, and identify the type of incident you have to narrate based on the notes given.

4. A narrative composition has a format with certain features:

§         Beginning/Opening -  introduction of plot, setting and characters

§         Development of story - rising action: events leading to climax; climax: important and exciting part; falling action: events after the climax, leading to resolution

§         Resolution - conclusion: brings the story to a close

5. Have a good introduction for the story. There are different ways to open a story:

§        describe the background

§        describe the setting

§        use direct speech

§        use drama (words provided in the question)

§        use a proverb or saying

6. Introduce the setting, time of incident and characters of the story as mentioned in the notes provided.

7. Add details to enhance the description of the setting or background of the story.

8. Do not change the time of incident but ensure that there is proper development of sequence.

9. Present the characters sharply and clearly and make sure they are reasonably true to life.

10. Use your imagination and develop your narration making sure there is a climax followed by events for falling action.

11. Make sure the story has a logical conclusion as it is here the reader is told how everything worlds out.

12. Make the conclusion short so as not to distract from the excitement of the development of the story.

13. The point of view in narrative essays is usually the first person. Read the notes carefully to make sure of the point of view required.

14. Most narratives are about experiences and so should be int he past tense.

15. Use direct speech wherever possible to make the account interesting but do not overdo it. Punctuate correctly.

16. Be original and imaginative in your narration.