Essay Drafting and Narrative Techniques

Flashcards covering essay drafting, story structure, transitions (chronological and flashback), and dialogue mechanics based on lecture notes.

What is the primary function of an outline in essay drafting?

It is an organizational tool that helps you draft the essay, serving as an overall plan for your writing.

What should an outline typically include?

Short phrases and sentences, organized logically with numbers for sections.

What are the three main parts of a story and their roles?

The beginning introduces the story, the middle develops the conflict and climax, and the end resolves and reflects on the conflict.

Why are transitions important in writing?

They create a smooth flow between ideas and events, leading the reader through the narrative.

What does 'chronological' mean in the context of narrative writing?

It means the events are presented in the order in which they occurred.

Name some common chronological transition words.

First, initially, not long after, next, finally, and after.

What is a flashback technique?

It allows the writer to jump to an event that took place before the beginning of a story, providing important background information.

Give examples of transition words or phrases used for flashbacks.

Meanwhile, several years ago, yesterday, at the same time, in my childhood, growing up.

What is dialogue in a narrative?

It is a written conversation between two or more people in a story.

What are the main purposes of dialogue in a story?

It helps develop characters, moves the story along, and uses everyday language.

What are the key mechanics for properly formatting dialogue?

Dialogue needs to be set off by quotation marks at the beginning and end, include proper punctuation (like commas and ending punctuation), and use speaker tags.

When developing a draft, what narrative techniques and elements should be included?

A clear beginning, middle, and end, a reflection on the experience, transitional words and phrases for flow, and narrative techniques like dialogue and flashback.