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Narrative Introduction Writing Checklist

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Narrative Introduction Writing Checklist

Write the opening of a narrative set at a swimming carnival. Make the reader curious, introduce a character and place, and build a clear mood. Then use the checklist to revise your work.

Plan an opening

Choose one story spark, or invent your own: a lane rope has come loose; someone hears their name over the loudspeaker; a mysterious object is found beside the pool. Plan a beginning that gives the reader enough detail without explaining everything.

1.Which spark will you use? What question or mystery might it make the reader wonder about?

2.Choose a main character, such as Mere, Ari or Tane. Where exactly are they at the swimming carnival, and what are they doing just before the story begins?

3.Choose two senses to include in your opening. Jot down a precise detail for each—for example, a sharp whistle, wet concrete underfoot, or the smell of sunscreen.

4.Which opening is most likely to make a reader curious?

The swimming carnival was on Tuesday.
Ari heard his name crackle through the loudspeaker, but he was nowhere near the microphone.
There were several races at the carnival.

Draft your narrative introduction

Write an opening of about 100–150 words. Begin with a hook, introduce your character and setting, and add sensory detail. Hint at a problem or question, but save the explanation for later. Use the lines to draft.

5.Write your narrative introduction here. Remember that an introduction sets the scene; it does not need to tell the whole story.

Revise with a writer’s checklist

Reread your draft slowly. Tick a point only when you can find evidence for it in your writing. If one is missing, make a small revision.

6.Check each part of your introduction: hook; character introduced; setting made clear; at least two precise sensory details; a hint of a problem or mystery; sentences that are easy to follow; capitals and punctuation checked. Which one change would most improve your draft?

7.Read your opening aloud to a partner. Ask: “What made you curious?” Record one helpful comment, then decide whether to use it.

8.Name one part of your introduction that works well. Quote or describe the exact words that show it.