CORE RULE (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

• Story must follow:
  • Given task (start / end / sentence inclusion)
  • Clear structure
  • Controlled tone
• Do NOT write randomly — structure = marks

OVERALL STRUCTURE

1. Opening (Hook + Setup)
2. Build-Up (Rising tension)
3. Climax (Turning point)
4. Falling Action (After-effect)
5. Ending (Resolution)

1. OPENING (FIRST PARAGRAPH)

• Start strong (no slow warm-up)
• Introduce:
  • Setting
  • Situation
• If a starting sentence is given → use it EXACTLY
• Create curiosity (but don’t explain everything)

Avoid:

• Backstory dump
• Long descriptions
• Irrelevant detail

2. BUILD-UP

• Gradually increase tension
• Introduce:
  • Problem / complication
  • Uncertainty
• Keep events logical
• Add small details that hint at climax

Goal: Make reader feel something is coming

3. CLIMAX (MOST IMPORTANT PART)

• Highest tension point
• Something changes / is revealed / happens
• Must be:
  • Clear
  • Impactful
• No confusion

This decides your grade

4. FALLING ACTION

• Show immediate effect of climax
• Slow things slightly
• Clarify what just happened
• Avoid introducing new problems

5. ENDING

• Must match:
  • Task (given ending line if any)
• Provide:
  • Closure
  • Meaning
• Keep it controlled

Avoid:

• Rushed ending
• New twist at last line
• Over-explaining

KEY WRITING RULES

• Stick to ONE clear storyline
• Maintain logical flow
• Use consistent tense
• Keep paragraphs balanced
• No one-line paragraphs

TYPES OF NARRATIVE TASKS

1. Given Starting Line

• Start exactly as given
• Build story naturally

2. Given Ending Line

• Build entire story toward that ending

3. Sentence to Include

• Insert naturally (not forced)

4. Open Topic

• Full control — but still follow structure

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES (A*)

• Foreshadowing (hint early, reveal later)
• Controlled pacing (slow → fast → slow)
• Consistent tone
• Logical twist (not random)

COMMON MISTAKES

• No clear climax
• Weak or rushed ending
• Random events (no structure)
• Over-description, no story
• Mixing multiple ideas
• Ignoring given sentence/task

EXAM STRATEGY

• Plan for 1–2 minutes before writing
• Know your climax BEFORE you start
• Keep story simple but effective
• Focus on structure, not complexity

FINAL UNDERSTANDING

Think like this:

• Opening → What is happening
• Build-up → Something is wrong
• Climax → Something changes
• Ending → What it leads to