01/02/2023

Name: Chethika De Zoysa

Activity 1
Read the given text carefully. Identify the text type and its features.

In June of that year, 1992, there was heavy fighting in West Kabul between the
Pashtun forces of the warlord Sayyaf and the Hazaras of the Wahdat faction. The shelling
knocked down power lines, pulverized entire blocks of shops and homes. Laila heard that
Pashtun militiamen were attacking Hazara households, breaking in and shooting entire
families, execution style, and that Hazaras were retaliating by abducting Pashtun civilians,
raping Pashtun girls, shelling Pashtun neighborhoods, and killing indiscriminately. Every day,
bodies were found tied to trees, sometimes burned beyond recognition. Often, they'd been
shot in the head, had had their eyes gouged out, their tongues cut out.
Babi tried again to convince Mammy to leave Kabul.
“They’ll work it out,” Mammy said, “This fighting is temporary. They’ll sit down and
figure something out.”
“Fariba, all these people know is war,” said Babi. “They learned to walk with a milk
bottle in one hand and a gun in the other.”

Text type: …………………………………………………………………………………………

Feature 1: …………………………………………………………………………………………
Feature 2: …………………………………………………………………………………………
Feature 3: …………………………………………………………………………………………
Feature 4: …………………………………………………………………………………………
Narrative Writing
What is narrative writing?
It is a type of writing consists of a sequence of events which tells a story that is real or
imaginary. There are several types of narrative writings.
Examples:
a. ……………………………………………….. Sub genres of narratives
b. ……………………………………………….. a. Novels

c. ……………………………………………….. b. Short stories

d. ……………………………………………….. c. Plays

e. ……………………………………………….. d. Tales

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Activity 2
Read the given extracts carefully. Identify their features and find out their type.
1. “He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and dangerous man. I should
not be very much surprised if this were he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think,
Watson, that it would be as well for you to have your pistol ready.”
The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the door of the room,
a very fat and burly man, with a heavy stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk
against the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and confronted
him.
“You villain!” said he, “where’s your daughter?”
The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open skylight.
“It is for me to ask you that,” he shrieked, “you thieves! Spies and thieves! I have caught
you, have I? You are in my power. I’ll serve you!” He turned and clattered down the stairs
as hard as he could go.
“He’s gone for the dog!” cried Miss Hunter.
“I have my revolver,” said I.
“Better close the front door,” cried Holmes, and we all rushed down the stairs together.
We had hardly reached the hall when we heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream
of agony, with a horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An elderly man
with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out at a side door.
“My God!” he cried. “Someone has loosed the dog. It’s not been fed for two days. Quick,
quick, or it’ll be too late!”
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, A Scandal in Bohemia)
Mystery (critical, tension, suspense)

2. “Jane, my little darling (so I will call you, for so you are), you don't know what you are
talking about; you misjudge me again: it is not because she is mad I hate her. If you were
mad, do you think I should hate you?”
“I do indeed, sir.”
“Then you are mistaken, and you know nothing about me, and nothing about the sort of
love of which I am capable. Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain
and sickness it would still be dear. Your mind is my treasure, and if it were broken, it would
be my treasure still: if you raved, my arms should confine you, and not a strait waistcoat-
-your grasp, even in fury, would have a charm for me: if you flew at me as wildly as that
woman did this morning, I should receive you in an embrace, at least as fond as it would
be restrictive. I should not shrink from you with disgust as I did from her: in your quiet
moments you should have no watcher and no nurse but me; and I could hang over you
with untiring tenderness, though you gave me no smile in return; and never weary of
gazing into your eyes, though they had no longer a ray of recognition for me.”
(Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë)
Comedy

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 3. “That was Gandalf’s mark, of course, and the old man was Gandalf the Wizard, whose
fame in the Shire was due mainly to his skill with fires, smokes, and lights. His real business
was far more difficult and dangerous, but the Shire-folk knew nothing about it. To them
he was just one of the ‘attractions’ at the Party. Hence the excitement of the hobbit-
children. ‘G for Grand!’ they shouted, and the old man smiled. They knew him by sight,
though he only appeared in Hobbiton occasionally and never stopped long; but neither
they nor any but the oldest of their elders had seen one of his firework displays – they
now belonged to a legendary past.
When the old man, helped by Bilbo and some dwarves, had finished unloading, Bilbo gave
a few pennies away; but not a single squib or cracker was forthcoming, to the
disappointment of the onlookers.
‘Run away now!’ said Gandalf. ‘You will get plenty when the time comes.’ Then he
disappeared inside with Bilbo, and the door was shut. The young hobbits stared at the
door in vain for a while, and then made off, feeling that the day of the party would never
come.”
(The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien)

Fantasy (supernatural, magic, fairies, gods etc.)

Genres of Narrative Writing

Activity 3
Complete the table below to describe four key genres of narrative writing.

Genre Definition Central Time & Place Typical Events Ending

Character(s)
A genre that Normal/ordinar Familiar places 1. Overcoming the Monster. Happy
intends to be y people such as school, The protagonist must Triumphant
humorous or home, defeat an antagonist Uplifting
amusing by workplace, (usually an individual, Positive
inducing palaces etc. force, or entity) that Successful
laughter. threatens them and the
A story that has wider world.
a happy 2. Rags to Riches. The
ending. protagonist achieves
something they lack, loses
what they’ve gained, and
then gets it back again.
Comedy 3. Voyage and Return. The
protagonist travels to a
strange new place,
experiences hardships and
makes discoveries, and
then returns home with
the lessons they have
learned.
4. Rebirth. The protagonist
undergoes a
transformation, and often
ends up a better person as
a result.

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 A genre of story A noble man Ominous, 1. Anticipation: hero wants Death/downfall of the
in which Normal people strange settings something that’s missing. protagonist.
a hero is with flaws 2. Hero sets out to obtain
brought down what he wants and comes
by his/her own across a no-turning-back
flaws, usually situation.
Tragedy by ordinary 3. Obstacles: Hero commits
human flaws dark acts.
like greed, 4. Hero senses his fate
over-ambition, closing in.
or an excess of 5. Destruction
love, honour,
or loyalty.
A genre of Normal people Seemingly 1. Crime A solid ending where all
fiction that of day-to-day harmless places 2. Investigation. A detective loose ends are wrapped
follows a crime life Examples: works on solving the up.
(like a murder bookshop, mystery.
or a roads, avenues, 3. Twist. The detective finds
disappearance) railway station a new clue, an unexpected
from the lead, or a crack in a
moment it is suspect’s alibi that shocks
Mystery committed to them.
the moment it 4. Breakthrough. The
is solved. detective uncovers the last
remaining piece of the
puzzle and solves the
mystery.
5. Conclusion. The culprit is
caught and all outstanding
questions are resolved.
Fantasy A genre that • Gods • Medieval/ • Good versus evil Resolution: good
features • Angels Middle ages • Heroism triumphs over evil/hero
magical and • dwarfs (period in • Magic completes their quest.
supernatural • monsters European • Destiny
elements that • fairies • Quests
do not exist in history from
• magical The struggle is often moral or
the real world. about AD
helpers spiritual, emphasizing internal
Fantasy draws • dragons 600 to AD growth and the importance of
from ancient • wise beasts 1500) choice.
myths, legends, • elves • Outer space Conflicts often arise from the
and human misuse of magic, ancient
• Underwater
imagination, curses, mythical creatures, or
often without a • Mythical struggles between light and
need for domains darkness.
explanation.

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 Elements of a Narrative Writing
Narrative writing consists of 5 basic components which can also be called, Narrative
Elements. These elements develop an effective story.
1. Plot
2. Setting
3. Character
4. Conflict
5. Theme
6. Point of View

Activity 4
Read the given events of the story, The Lion King. Put them in order.

Simba meets Nala and realizes that Mufasa is still alive in him and is convinced to return home
and fight for his rightful place. 3
Mufasa’s younger brother, Scar kills Mufasa to usurp the throne and convinces Simba that
Mufasa’s death was his own fault and make him leave the kingdom and start a new life with
new friends, Timon and Pumbaa. 2
Simba returns to Pride Rock and confronts Scar and regains the Kinship. 4
Rafiki holds up Simba and Nala’s new cub to the assembly of animals, repeating the circle of
life. 5
In the Pride Lands, an area in Kenya, Africa ruled by a pride of lions, its leader, King Mufasa,
introduces his newborn son, Simba, to the assembly of animals that make up the kingdom. 1

Activity 5
Match the given events of the story with the titles.

1. In the Pride Lands, an area in Kenya, Africa ruled by a pride of lions,

its leader, King Mufasa, introduces his newborn son, Simba, to the Climax
assembly of animals that make up the kingdom.
2. Mufasa’s younger brother, Scar kills Mufasa to usurp the throne
and convinces Simba that Mufasa’s death was his own fault and
Exposition
make him leave the kingdom and start a new life with new friends,
Timon and Pumbaa.
3. Simba meets Nala and realizes that Mufasa is still alive in him and is
Rising Action
convinced to return home and fight for his rightful place.
4. Simba returns to Pride Rock and confronts Scar and regains the
Resolution
Kinship.
5. Rafiki holds up Simba and Nala’s new cub to the assembly of
Falling Action
animals, repeating the circle of life.

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 1. Plot
The plot or the storyline is the sequence of events that make up a story. It includes the most
significant events of the story. It unfolds how the characters and their problems change over
time.
Example:
The Lion King:
A young lion takes his rightful place as the King by overthrowing the usurper.

Elements of a Plot
Plots are usually made up of five main elements.
1. Exposition: Introduction of
the characters, setting, and
the main conflict at the
beginning of the story.
2. Rising Action: The
main character is in crisis and
events leading up to facing
the conflict begin to unfold.
The story becomes
complicated.
3. Climax: The major event
occurs at the peak of the story
in which the main character
faces a major enemy, fear,
challenge, or other source of conflict. It is also the most exciting point of the story which can
act as a turning point for the plot or goals of the main character.
4. Falling Action: The story begins to slow down and work towards its end, tying up loose
ends (things still need to be done or explained).
5. Resolution: The concluding paragraph that resolves any remaining issues and ends the
story.
How can you keep the reader interested in the story?
✓ …………………………………………………………………………………………………….
✓ …………………………………………………………………………………………………….
✓ …………………………………………………………………………………………………….
✓ …………………………………………………………………………………………………….
✓ …………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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 2. Setting

The location and time frame in which the action of a narrative takes place. It is usually
introduced during the exposition (beginning) of the story, along with the characters. The
setting may include the physical location, climate, weather, or social and cultural details.
The behaviour of the characters often depends on their environment and their personal
characteristics.
Activity 6
Read the given extracts and find when and where the incidents took place.
1. …………………………………………………………………
“A breeze ruffled the neat hedges of Privet Drive, which lay silent and tidy under the inky
sky, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen. Harry Potter rolled
over inside his blankets without waking up. One small hand closed on the letter beside
him and he slept on, not knowing he was special, not knowing he was famous, not
knowing he would be woken in a few hours’ time by Mrs. Dursley’s scream as she opened
the front door to put out the milk bottles, nor that he would spend the next few weeks
being prodded and pinched by his cousin Dudley. . . . He couldn’t know that at this very
moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and
saying in hushed voices: “To Harry Potter — the boy who lived!””
When: ……………………………….……………………………….……………………………….
Where: ……………………………….……………………………….……………………………….

2. …………………………………………………………………
“When I close my eyes, I can see my bedroom. The bed is unmade, my fluffy blanket in a
heap, because I’ve rushed out for school, late for an exam. My school schedule is open
on my desk to a page dated 9 October 2012. And my school uniform—my white shalwar
and blue kamiz—is on a peg on the wall, waiting for me.
I can hear the neighborhood kids playing cricket in the alley behind our home. I can hear
the humof the bazaar not far away… Soon I’ll hear my father’s deep voice as he calls out
my nickname. “Jani,” he’ll say, which is Persian for “dear one.” “How was the school
running today?” He was asking how things were at the Khushal School for Girls, which he
founded and I attended, but I always took the opportunity to answer the question
literally.
“Aba,” I’d joke. “The school is walking, not running!” This was my way of telling him I
thought things could be better.
I left that beloved home in Pakistan one morning—planning to dive back under the
covers as soon as school let out—and ended up a world away.”
When: ……………………………….……………………………….……………………………….
Where: ……………………………….……………………………….……………………………….

Activity

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Create settings for the below characters.

1. A young girl forced by her parents to do higher studies on a stream she does not like.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. A teenager who loses a loved one.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. A single parent striving hard to manage family needs.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Characters

A character is a person, animal, creature, or thing in a story. Writers use characters to perform
the actions and speak dialogues. They extend the story along a plot line. There are two types
of characters.
1. Main characters: the characters that will have the greatest effect on the plot or are the
most affected by what happens in the story.
i. Protagonist: The main character of the story. The story revolves around him/her.
The decisions made by this character will be influenced by a conflict from within,
or externally through another character, society or the fate.

ii. Antagonist – The character, or group of characters, who causes the conflict for
the protagonist. However, the antagonist could be the protagonist, who is affected
by a problem.
2. Minor characters: The other characters in a story. They are not as important as the major
characters. They may affect the decisions the protagonist or antagonist make. They may
either help the major characters or create problems.
Examples:
The characters of …………………………………………….:
1. Main Characters
i. Protagonist: ………………………………………………
ii. Antagonist: ………………………………………………
2. Minor characters: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Activity 7
Read the given extracts and find who are the people involved in the incident.
1. A breeze ruffled the neat hedges of Privet Drive, which lay silent and tidy under the inky
sky, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen. Harry Potter rolled
over inside his blankets without waking up. One small hand closed on the letter beside
him and he slept on, not knowing he was special, not knowing he was famous, not
knowing he would be woken in a few hours’ time by Mrs. Dursley’s scream as she opened
the front door to put out the milk bottles, nor that he would spend the next few weeks
being prodded and pinched by his cousin Dudley. . . . He couldn’t know that at this very
moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and
saying in hushed voices: “To Harry Potter — the boy who lived!”
✓ ……………………………….……………………………….
✓ ……………………………….……………………………….
✓ ……………………………….……………………………….
2. “When I close my eyes, I can see my bedroom. The bed is unmade, my fluffy blanket in a
heap, because I’ve rushed out for school, late for an exam. My school schedule is open on
my desk to a page dated 9 October 2012. And my school uniform—my white shalwar and
blue kamiz—is on a peg on the wall, waiting for me.
I can hear the neighborhood kids playing cricket in the alley behind our home. I can hear
the hum of the bazaar not far away… Soon I’ll hear my father’s deep voice as he calls out
my nickname. “Jani,” he’ll say, which is Persian for “dear one.” “How was the school
running today?” He was asking how things were at the Khushal School for Girls, which he
founded and I attended, but I always took the opportunity to answer the question literally.
“Aba,” I’d joke. “The school is walking, not running!” This was my way of telling him I
thought things could be better.
I left that beloved home in Pakistan one morning—planning to dive back under the covers
as soon as school let out—and ended up a world away.”
✓ ……………………………….……………………………….
✓ ……………………………….……………………………….
✓ ……………………………….……………………………….

Writing engaging characters

CB p. 192 Activity 2
Write a brief description for the below character. Think about the below questions.
✓ what makes them interesting
✓ Are they flawed?
✓ Do they also have redeeming qualities?
✓ What is the emotional response they create in you/the reader?

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❖ A teenage girl who is incredibly helpful but very loud and abrasive.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
CB p. 193 Activity 5
Think about an antagonist that you know from books and films and answer the below
questions.
✓ Qualities:
• ……………………………………………………………………………………..
• ……………………………………………………………………………………..
• ……………………………………………………………………………………..
✓ Problems they caused for the protagonist:
• ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
✓ What happens to the protagonist and the antagonist at the end of the story:
• Protagonist: …………………………………………………………………………….………………………………..
• Antagonist: …………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………
4. Conflict
A clash/struggle between two opposite forces. Conflict occurs when the main character
struggles with own self or external force, usually the antagonist. Conflict creates tension by
challenging the main character. It reveals a deeper meaning while highlighting characters’
motivations, beliefs and weaknesses.
It provides a purpose to your story and helps the story to move forward.
Examples:
1. The conflicts of Matilda:
a. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
b. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
2. The conflicts of Harry Potter:
a. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
b. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

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 5. Themes
The theme is the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a story. It can also be
called the central meaning of a narrative.
Themes are expressed using characters, setting, dialogue or plot of the story.
Examples:
1. Themes of the Harry Potter series
a. …………………………………………………
b. …………………………………………………
c. …………………………………………………
2. Themes of Matilda
a. …………………………………………………
b. …………………………………………………
c. …………………………………………………

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