Narrative Genre

Hello students!

Today we'll start with the second unit of this course called "Narrative Genre".

About a year ago you attended a class called “Narrative Writing”, what do you remember from it? What kind of assignments did you have to write? Is there anything in particular that you remember?

Personal Narrative vs. Fiction Narrative

The second unit of this course will be divided into two categories: Personal and Fiction Narrative. And we’ll start with the first one. What kind of texts do you think personal narrative includes? Can you mention some of them?

Bibliographical Writing

In simple words, a biography consists of collection of events in somebody’s life.

Last year you had to read and write several biographies about different characters. Do you remember any of them? What kind of information would you normally find in a biography?

In order to trigger your previous knowledge regarding biography writing, here is a picture and key information about a well-known actor who you’ll have to write a brief biography about.

You’ll need to do some research about the following prompts in order to write his biography. 

Take notes in your notebook. 

Improving your writing: avoiding repetition, adding detail and personal comment

Possessive adjectives, pronouns, adverbs and other words are all used to avoid repeating words and phrases. Replace the word or phrase in bold with another appropriate one.

1. Anthony Horowitz is the author of Stormbreaker. Anthony Horowitz is a very popular writer.
2. He wrote Stormbreaker when he was 50. He wans’t famous until he was 50.
3. The hero of the book is a teenaged boy. The hero’s name is Alex Rider.
4. Alex’s uncle dies mistiriously. After he dies mistiriously, Alex discovers that his uncle used to be a spy.
5. Horowitz has written more books about Alex Rider. There are eight of the books altogether.
6. I don’thave a copy of the book, but my brother has a copy.
7. I didn’t see the film of Stormbreaker, but my best friend saw the film.

Adverbs can add detail and personal comment to a piece of factual writing, match adverbs 1-5 to similar words or expressions a-e.

Choose the best words to complete the sentences.

1. Tiger Woods is probably/fortunately the world’s greatest golfer.
2. Unexpectedly/Unfortunately, I’ve never had the change to go to a rock concert.
3. Jacqueline Wilson writes books for young people. Amongst girls, she is luckily/very likely even more popular that JK Rowling.
4. Wayne Roony is my favourite footballer. Reluctantly/Sadly, he’s not playing as well as he used to.
5. Jamie Oliver’s TV cookery series unwillingly/suddenly made an overnight success. 

From the notes you have taken about Johny Depp, write your biographical text considering the suggestions for improving your writing. 

Writing about a classmate

Think of a classmate you really like. Find out about him/her and make notes about the following.

• Early life
• Personal information
• Career/studies achievements
• Why you like her/him 

• Use your notes to write the biography.
• Use words to avoid repetition.
• Use adverbs to add interest or personal comment.
• Read and check for mistakes.
• Give you biography to your teacher at the end of the class today.