1. Definitions
Narrative Paragraph deals with problematic events that lead to crisis or complication which in turn finds resolution; in addition, narrative paragraph is intended to entertain or to deal with actual or vicarious experience in different ways.
2. Social Function
It is used to entertain and to deal with actual or vicarious experience in different ways.
3. Generic Structure
· Orientation
Setting the scene, introducing the participant/s or giving necessary background (who, when, and where)
- Complication
Writing a crisis, in which the problem or complication arises and it creates tension, is carefully written until it finds its climax.
- Resolution
Finding the end of the narration or the crisis is resolved; it can be happy or unhappy ending.
- Reorientation/Coda
Closing the narration by using personal comment or opinion; it is optional.
4. Special Characteristics
A good narrative:
• is well-organized and relates events in sequence by using appropriate linking and cohesive devices;
• presents important changes, contrast or conflict and creates tension; and
• is told from a point of view and usually the author’s point of view.
5. Writing Narrative Paragraph
a. Orientation
Setting, participants and necessary background are carefully established.
Example:
My family and I went to one of the important temples in Bali, Lempuyang Luhur Temple, to do spiritual journey.
b. Complication
The next step after constructing the orientation is to organize the narration in such an interesting arrangement so that the crisis arises and it creates tension. For example,
- the journey was really interesting;
- we were so excited since it was our first time;
- we started to pray at the first temple;
- the journey seemed to be easy and enjoyable;
- the second, third and the fourth temple could be easily left behind
- some of us were getting tired;
- arriving at the fifth temple, we all felt worn-out and we could not lift our feet as we were in the first temple, as if there was an enormous rock that tied down our steps;
- we didn’t dare to express it; and
- we believed if we said something bad, it would be worse.
c. Resolution
After the crisis arises and reaches its climax then resolution or ending is the next part whether it is happy or unhappy ending.
Example:
We, therefore, tried to positively think and continued our climb to the heart of the highest temple, Lempuyang Luhur; we were presented outstanding natural view that triggered us to unconsciously spell ‘Om’. Finally we reached the temple and we were completely engrossed in our pray.
d. Reorientation
This part is an optional in narrative paragraph; in addition, if you write it, you may put personal comment or opinion about the narration.
Example:
It was a real ‘spiritual’ journey. Thus, if you always do your best and be positive, you will get worth pay.
Spiritual Journey, ‘Tirta Yatra’
On Monday morning, my family and I went to one of the important temples in Bali, Lempuyang Luhur Temple, to do spiritual journey. At first, the journey was really interesting; moreover, we were so excited since it was our first time. We started to pray at the first temple, and the journey seemed to be easy and enjoyable. The second, third and the fourth temple could be easily left behind, but some of us were getting tired. Arriving at the fifth temple, we all felt worn-out and we could not lift our feet as we were in the first temple, as if there was an enormous rock that tied down our steps; however, we didn’t dare to express it since we believed if we said something bad, it would be worse. We, therefore, tried to positively think and continued our climb to the heart of the highest temple, Lempuyang Luhur; we were presented outstanding natural view that triggered us to unconsciously spell ‘Om’. Finally we reached the temple and we were completely engrossed in our pray. It was a real ‘spiritual’ journey; thus, if you always do your best and be positive, you will get worth pay.
