Body

Objective

Learners practice public telling, by writing a short narrative essay.

Activity: Public telling (25 min)

Step 1: 

The differences between a diary entry and a narrative essay.

Diary entry: Private tellingNarrative essay: Public telling
A diary is a portrayal of daily events.Usually written in the past tense.
It is written in present tense.Uses a captivating introductory paragraph.
It presents one’s evaluation of the day or event.Has a clear structure (remember the story structure from the asking and listening lessons).
It is written from the writer’s point of view: first-person narration is the most appropriate approach.Ensures sustained interest through use of style, dialogue and action.
The language choice is simple and to the point.Highlights sensory details.
You don’t need to worry about having a clear structure. A diary entry is about expressing your feelings and emotions about the event in order to process and become more self-aware.Uses descriptive elements.

Step 2:

The learners now write a short narrative essay of no more than 200 words, using the story they wrote on the yellow post-it, under the heading, ‘A story I feel comfortable to share’.

Step 3:

Learners swap their stories with a partner.

Step 4: Journal reflection

After reading the story to themselves, each learner must highlight one quote from their partner’s story that stood out for them. They then draw the columns below, and fill in their answers in their journals.

QuoteWhy I choose this quote?What the quote reminds me of
Here the learner must write down a quote that that stood out for them from their partner’s narrative essay.Here the learner writes what interested them about this quote. Was it the content, style, language, or imagery?What is something that happened in their own life, in the past or recently, that this quote reminds them of?

Step 5: Discuss in pairs

The learners share their answers with their partners.