Thinking Stems: Narrative Text, Its Elements and How

Elements Support Intent

Identify the Elements of the text. Explain how the elements support the
intent of the text.

Definition of a Narrative Text: An imaginative story though some narratives may be

based on facts.

The Intent of the Text is to entertain/to teach/to explain

I know this Text is a narrative text because it has the following

elements/characteristics:

Text Organisation
1) (Orientation) Setting, Time, Main Character (Dynamic) and some Minor
Characters are established
2) An Event or Series of Events that involve the Main Character
(Beginning/Middle/End)
3) Minor conflicts that frustrate the Main Characters wish
4) Climax (Minor Conflicts build to a major problem)
5) Resolution

Language Features
1) Defined Individuals
2) Past Tense
3) Linking words to do with time
4) Action Verbs
5) Verbs that tell what the individual says and feels
6) Dialogue
7) Descriptive Language
8) First Person (I, we) or Third Person (He, She, They)
9) Pictures are not photographs (sometimes)
10) No table of contents/glossary (which would indicate factual text)

(Element 1) supports the intent of the author/text because..(provide evidence)

(Element 2) supports the intent of the author/ text because. (provide evidence)
(Element 3) supports the intent of the author/ text because. (provide evidence)
(Element 4) supports the intent of the author/text because (provide evidence)
Criteria Chart for Narrative Text

Definition: An imaginative story though some narratives may

have a basis in fact

**Always figure out what the authors intent/intention for

writing the narrative text is first. Then figure out the elements
used and evidence of each element to support his/her intent.

Purposes/Intentions:
1) To Teach
2) To Explain
3) To Entertain

Examples of Narrative Text: Folktales, Fairytales, Fables,

Myths, Legends, Realistic Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction,
Picture-Story Books and Modern Fantasy.

Elements/Characteristics:
1) Setting and Time
2) Main Character
3) Minor Characters
4) Plot (Series of Events that involve the character, a major
problem, a climax and a resolution) Some narratives leave
the reader to decide on a resolution while others fill in the
details.
5) Defined Characters
6) Descriptive Language to enhance and develop story by
creating images in your mind
7) Dialogue ( )
8) Usually Past Tense
9) Linking Words that deal with time (e.g. Yesterday, At noon,
At sunset, 2:30, etc.)
10) Verbs that deal with action, feelings and speaking