Narrative Writing: What the Question is Asking (CIE IGCSE English Language)

In Section B of Paper 2, you will be given the choice of four titles: Questions 2 and 3 will be descriptive writing titles, and Questions 4 and 5 will be narrative writing titles. Each of the options is worth 40 marks and you are only required to choose one of them (either descriptive or narrative). While descriptive writing will contain elements of narration, and vice versa, it is important to be aware that there is a distinction between the two styles of writing and you must shape your responses accordingly. You should therefore consider all four choices before selecting the one you feel will best allow you to demonstrate your skills as a writer.

The following guide will help you to understand what the narrative writing question is asking. It is broken down into:

• Overview
• Breaking down the question
• Exam tips

There will be two narrative writing titles or scenarios to choose from (Question 4 and Question 5). You are required to write about 350-450 words, which is approximately 2-3 sides of A4 in standard-sized handwriting, and you will have one hour in which to do this. You will be awarded up to 16 marks for content and structure, and up to 24 marks for style and accuracy. For narrative writing, this means:

Remember, in narrative writing, your aim is to craft a convincing story. You should spend 15 minutes choosing your task and planning your writing, and 45 minutes writing your response (including 5 minutes at the end to re-read and check your work).

You should carefully consider the two question choices and plan your route through your composition, including how it will end, before you start writing. Consider how you can be convincing and original in your use of detail, and choose your vocabulary and sentence structures carefully to create specific effects.

The examples below are a selection of past CIE narrative writing tasks:

• Ensure that your response is a well organised and thoughtful interpretation of whichever title you choose
• Demonstrate your ability to shape a narrative, including moments of tension and drama
• Use characterisation to create believable protagonists and characters
• Avoid cliches or over-used narratives, such as abandoned cabins in the woods
• Do not just “tell” a series of events:
• Consider imaginative ways to tell your story, apart from just a chronological account
• Include your characters’ thoughts and feelings, not just what happens
• Do not over-complicate your language unnecessarily:
• Do not underestimate the power of simple words and sentences to create powerful effects
• Start at your story’s main setting, not in the journey or build up
• Ensure that all of the words you choose contribute to the overall atmosphere and effect you want to create
• Vary your sentence and paragraph lengths to keep the style and tone dynamic
• Do not over-use dialogue:
• Only use dialogue if it drives forward the plot and you are able to punctuate it correctly
• Consider the “message” of your story and how your characters represent this
• Consider the narrative perspective which will work most effectively for your story