Elements of Literacy Narratives
Prewriting Techniques
Plot Structure
Personal Literacy Journeys
Key Terms in Narratives
100

The underlying idea expressed through the story is called the ____.

What is the theme?

100

This prewriting exercise involves answering questions like “What is your first memory of reading?”

What is the jump-start exercise?

100

Narratives typically begin with the ____.

What is the introduction?

100

Many literacy narratives are told from this point of view.

What is first person?

100

The practice of describing events in a story form is called ____.

What is narration?

200

The location and time where events occur in a narrative are known as the ____.

What is the setting?

200

A five-minute, non-stop writing technique used to generate ideas is called ____.

What is the five-minute sprint?

200

The peak of action in a narrative is called the ____.

What is the climax?

200

This type of narrative focuses on personal experiences with reading or composing.

What is a literacy narrative?

200

These vivid details help readers visualize what is happening in the story.

What are sensory details?

300

The people involved in the narrative are referred to as ____.

What are characters?

300

This tool organizes literacy milestones in a chronological format for planning.

What is a literacy timeline?

300

The resolution follows which narrative component?

What is the problem or conflict?

300

A literacy narrative can be influenced by experiences with non-traditional texts such as ____.

What are video games, music, or social media posts?

300

The lesson or moral conveyed by the narrative is referred to as the ____.

What is the message?

400

The struggle between opposing forces in a story is called the ____.

What is conflict?

400

Reflecting on prewriting helps identify key insights and surprising details. Complete this sentence: “As I read what I have written, I notice ____.”

What is a reflection?

400

This type of order describes events as they happened, in the order they occurred.

What is chronological order?

400

This writing genre is often included in scholarship or job applications.

What is a personal statement?

400

Conversations between characters in a story are known as ____.

What is dialogue?

500

The sequence of events that occur in a narrative forms the ____.

What is the plot?

500

One way to organize narrative events is by importance. Name another common method.

What is chronological order?

500

Flashbacks are often used to engage readers. In which part of the narrative might flashbacks be used?

What is the beginning, middle, or end?

500

Sharing literacy experiences with others can generate ideas. This group activity is called ____.

What is peer discussion or collaboration?

500

A literacy narrative that makes the audience feel emotional may employ this appeal.

What is pathos?