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Recount Writing Planner

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Recount Writing Planner

Plan a lively recount of a real event or experience. A recount tells what happened in the order it happened. Use the planner to gather details, then write a draft you can share. Choose an event you are comfortable writing about.

Choose and collect details

Pick a real event: a trip, game, celebration, challenge, performance or surprising day. Notes and key words are fine here.

1.What event will your recount be about? Give it an interesting working title, too.

2.Record the setting: when and where did it happen? Include useful details such as the season, time of day, weather or place.

3.Who was there, and what was each person doing? Include yourself if you were involved.

4.Jot down two sensory details that could help a reader imagine the event. Think about what you saw, heard, felt, smelt or tasted.

Put the events in order

Choose the important moments—not every tiny action. Use time connectives to guide your reader through the recount.

At the beginning — What was happening?

Next — What happened after that?

Then — What was the most important or surprising moment?

Finally — How did the event finish?

5.Which moment should be the main part of your recount? Explain why it matters or why a reader might find it interesting.

6.Choose two time connectives that fit your event. Write a sentence for each that links to one of your timeline notes.

Make it come alive

A strong recount includes thoughts and feelings as well as actions. Use precise details instead of repeating the same describing words.

7.What were you thinking or feeling at the most important moment? Name the feeling and explain what caused it.

8.Improve this plain sentence by adding a specific action and a sensory detail: “We went outside.” Write your improved sentence.

9.Write a closing sentence that tells how you felt about the experience afterwards or what you will remember.

Draft and check

Use your notes to write a recount with an opening, events in time order and a closing. Then use this checklist to improve it.

10.Write your recount draft. Remember to introduce the event and setting, use paragraphs for stages or changes of focus, and include time connectives and specific details.

11.Re-read your draft. Tick each feature you included: an opening that sets the scene; events in order; time connectives; specific details or feelings; a closing sentence; capital letters and full stops checked.