What is Narrative Text
Narrative text is a type of text that tells a story or sequence of events, usually involving characters and a plot. This type of text is often found in novels, short stories, and movies, but it can also be found in other forms, such as personal anecdotes or autobiographies. Narrative texts often have a clear structure that helps the reader follow the story and understand the main events.
Generic Structure of Narrative Text
The structure of a narrative text typically includes the following elements:
1. Introduction: This is where the story begins, and it often includes setting the scene, introducing the main characters, and establishing the tone or mood of the story.
2. Rising Action: This is the part of the story where the main conflict or problem is introduced, and the events leading up to the climax start to unfold. The rising action often includes obstacles, challenges, and setbacks for the characters.
3. Climax: This is the most dramatic or exciting part of the story, where the main conflict reaches its peak, and the characters must face the biggest challenge or decision of the story.
4. Falling Action: This is the part of the story where the events after the climax are revealed, and the characters begin to resolve the conflict. The falling action often includes the consequences of the climax and how the characters respond to them.
5. Resolution: This is the final part of the story, where the conflict is fully resolved, and the story comes to a conclusion. The resolution often includes a lesson or moral that the reader can learn from the story.
Language Features of Narrative Text
In addition to the structure, narrative texts also have language features that help to create vivid descriptions and engage the reader. Some examples of language features commonly used in narrative text include sensory details, figurative language, and dialogue. Sensory details are words or phrases that appeal to the five senses, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Figurative language includes metaphors, similes, and personification. Dialogue is the spoken words between characters.
When reading or writing a narrative text, it is important to pay attention to the structure and language features to fully understand and appreciate the story.
An Example of Narrative Text
here is an example of a narrative text in English:
Title: The Haunted House
Introduction:
It was a dark and stormy night. Jack and Sarah had been driving for hours, trying to find a place to stay for the night. As they drove down the deserted road, they saw a small sign that read "Bed and Breakfast - Open All Night." They decided to check it out.
Rising Action:
As they pulled up to the house, they noticed that it was old and run-down. The paint was peeling, and the windows were boarded up. But they were tired and desperate, so they went inside.
Once inside, they were greeted by a strange old woman who showed them to their room. The room was musty and smelled of mold, but they were too tired to care. They fell asleep quickly, but were soon woken up by strange noises in the house.
Climax:
As they got out of bed to investigate, they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. They were too afraid to move, and the footsteps grew louder and louder. Suddenly, the door burst open, and they saw a figure standing in the doorway. It was a ghost!
Falling Action:
The ghost floated towards them, and they closed their eyes, waiting for the worst. But then they heard a voice, "Get out of here now, before it's too late!" They opened their eyes, and the ghost was gone.
They quickly packed their bags and left the house, driving as fast as they could. As they looked back, they saw the ghost in the window, waving goodbye.
Resolution:
Jack and Sarah never spoke of the haunted house again, but they knew that they had experienced something truly terrifying. They never forgot the ghost who saved their lives, and they never stayed in a bed and breakfast again without doing their research.
Conclusion:
The haunted house still stands today, a reminder of the ghost who haunts its halls. And Jack and Sarah? They never forgot the lesson they learned that night – to always be aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling in unfamiliar places.
The Exercise for Narrative Text with Answer
1. What is a narrative text?
a. A type of text that describes a person's experience
b. A type of text that presents an argument
c. A type of text that tells a story
d. A type of text that informs readers about a certain topic
e. None of the above
Answer: c. A type of text that tells a story
2. Which of the following is not included in the structure of a narrative text?
a. Introduction
b. Climax
c. Falling Action
d. Exposition
e. Resolution
Answer: d. Exposition
3. What is the purpose of the rising action in a narrative text?
a. To introduce the main conflict or problem
b. To reveal the events after the climax
c. To establish the tone or mood of the story
d. To provide a lesson or moral
e. None of the above
Answer: a. To introduce the main conflict or problem
4. What is the climax of a narrative text?
a. The most exciting part of the story
b. The resolution of the conflict
c. The introduction of the main characters
d. The falling action
e. None of the above
Answer: a. The most exciting part of the story
5. Which of the following is a language feature commonly used in narrative text?
a. Statistics
b. Definitions
c. Sensory details
d. Comparisons
e. None of the above
Answer: c. Sensory details