Writing Narrative Paragraphs Writing Things Happening Over Time Grammar
At a Glance Students will: ü write a narrative paragraph ü focus on past tense verbs, prepositions and connectors		Purpose: to practise a form of narrative paragraph (describing events in sequence) Materials: sample paragraph on overhead transparency, Handout: fill-in-the-blanks paragraph Preparation: 10 minutes to prepare transparency and copy handout Time: 60 minutes
Teacher’s Notes	Procedure 1. Elicit definitions for narrative paragraph ü It might be necessary to define narrative. ü Discuss the following statement and elicit examples: narrative paragraphs are often used to describe what a person does over a period of time. 2. Identify connectors, verbs and prepositions ü Instruct the students to read the paragraph on the overhead transparency and notice how words like “later” (adverbs) are used to connect what happens. (these words answer the question ”when?”) ü Ask students to identify other connecting words in the paragraph. Ask students to identify verbs (elicit the tense) and the prepositions. 3. Fill in the blanks ü Hand-out the worksheet. Instruct students to provide the correct form of the verb in the past and the correct prepositions. ü Depending on the students, you may need to provide or elicit lists of connectors, prepositions, rules for past tense verbs and phrasal verbs. ü Students can work individually or in pairs to determine the answers. ü Discuss the correct answers as a whole class or have students check answers on an answer sheet. 4. Write a paragraph ü Instruct students to use the sample as a guide for writing their own narrative paragraphs. (write more than one if time allows) ü Students can work in pairs to check grammar, spelling and structure, edit and re-write. ü Select students to read their paragraphs to the class. ü Remind readers to concentrate on clear pronunciation. Remind listeners to concentrate on form and meaning. ü Select sentences or phrases to examine on the board. (Examine correct forms as well as incorrect forms. Ask students if they think it is correct; if not, what changes are necessary.)

Writing Writing Narrative Paragraphs Grammar Things Happening Over time
Teacher’s Notes	Lesson Extension connecting words (adverbs) past tense verbs prepositions phrasal verbs If students are struggling with any of these grammar points, you may need to take time to review and practise. Use worksheets and games to provide opportunities for skill building through repetition and analysis. Follow-up / Transfer Activities: 1. Use the same lesson format to teach writing narrative paragraphs to describe things that happen regularly. Use words like sometimes, often, never, usually (adverbs of frequency) to say how often something happens. (See handout Writing Narrative Paragraphs II)	Additional Resources Grammar resource section in Web Resources. Grammar reference books. Michael Swan’s Practical English Usage, Oxford University Press is very useful. Some of the Exercises in the Computers & English Section are relevant.