Narrative and descriptive composition

In a composition you are marked on content (ideas and relevance) and language (accuracy, vocabulary and organisation).

Narrative writing (telling a story)

• Plan a clear beginning, a problem or turning point, a climax and an ending.
• Use the past tense consistently.
• Show feelings through actions and dialogue instead of only telling: “Her hands shook as she opened the letter” is stronger than “She was nervous.”
• Use direct speech correctly: “Wait for me!” shouted Thandi.

Descriptive writing (painting a picture)

• Use the five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
• Choose precise words: “the market was noisy” becomes “traders shouted prices over the hoot of kombis.”
• Use figurative language sparingly: similes, metaphors and personification.
• Organise the description, e.g. from far to near, or from morning to evening.

Planning (5 minutes)

Write a short plan: introduction, three or four paragraphs, conclusion. Stick to the topic in the title.

Check yourself

1. Name the five senses you can use in a description.
2. Rewrite more vividly: “It was a hot day.”
3. Punctuate: where are you going asked the teacher