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A narrative text is a fictional story or tale created to entertain the reader. Narrative texts are commonly found in the form of fairy tales, folklore, and other fictional stories. The purpose of a narrative text, as mentioned above, is to entertain the reader or listener with a story that follows a sequence of events leading to a climax and eventually reaches a resolution.
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According to experts, narrative text learning material focuses on understanding and using narrative texts or fictional stories. Here are some definitions from experts:
According to David Nunan, an expert in language education, narrative text is a type of text that tells a story or events that unfold over time. It includes elements such as character introduction, conflict, climax, and resolution.
According to Dorothy E. Zemach and Lisa A. Rumisek in the book "Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay," narrative text is a text that tells a story or events, often introducing conflicts or problems that need to be addressed by the characters.
The impact of learning narrative text for students is significant.
Here are some of its impacts:
Improves reading and comprehension skills: Learning narrative text helps students develop reading skills by introducing them to various types of stories and writing styles.
Enhances narrative writing skills: Students are taught to structure stories, develop characters, and build engaging storylines.
Fosters creativity and imagination: Through learning narrative text, students can develop their creativity in creating stories and using imagination to create interesting story worlds.
Teaches moral and social values: Many stories in narrative texts contain moral or social messages that are important for students' character development.
Promotes empathy and understanding of others' perspectives: By reading stories about different characters and situations, students can learn to understand the feelings and perspectives of others.
The reasons why narrative text should continue to be taught are:
The importance of narrative reading and writing skills in everyday life, both in school and outside of school.
Narrative text helps students develop critical and analytical thinking skills through analyzing the structure of stories, characters, and themes.
Narrative text also helps students develop effective communication skills by expressing ideas and concepts in clear and engaging narrative forms.
source: Nunan, D. (1993). Introducing Discourse Analysis., Zemach, D. E., & Rumisek, L. A. (2005). Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay.
Generic Structure of Narrative Text
A narrative text has three structural components as follows:
1. Orientation The Orientation section includes the introduction of characters, the setting of the place and time of the story. (who, what, when, and where)
2. Complication In the complication section, problems begin to arise and must be resolved by the main character in the story.
3. Resolution Resolution is where the story ends. In this section, the problems are resolved by the main character. The Resolution often includes a moral value or advice from the story, which is also known as the Coda.
The Use of Grammar in Narrative Texts
In a narrative text, we must use the past tense because the story is fictional. The tenses can include past perfect, past continuous, past perfect continuous, or even past future continuous. All these rules do not have to be strictly followed as the tenses depend on the context and situation of the sentence.
Characteristics of Narrative Texts
Using Action Verbs in Past Tense form. For example: Walked, Said, Wondered, etc.
Using specific Nouns as pronouns for people, animals, and specific objects in the story. For example: the princess, the girl, the queen, etc.
Utilizing Adjectives to form noun phrases. For example: The red riding hood, the poisoned apple, etc.
Incorporating Time Connectives and Conjunctions to sequence events. For example: before, after, then, next, soon, etc.
Employing Adverbs and Adverbial Phrases to indicate the location of events or incidents. For example: on the sea, in the mountain, there, happily ever after, etc.
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EXAMPLES
Lesson I
Topic: Legend
The Legend of Malin Kundang
(Orietation)
A long time ago, in a small village near the beach in West Sumatra, a woman and her son lived. They were Malin Kundang and her mother. Her mother was a single parent because Malin Kundang's father had passed away when he was a baby. Malin Kundang had to live hard with his mother
(Events)
Malin Kundang was a healthy, dilligent, and strong boy. He usually went to sea to catch fish. After getting fish he would bring it to his mother, or sold the caught fish in the town. One day, when Malin Kundang was sailing, he saw a merchant's ship which was being raided by a small band of pirates. He helped the merchant. With his brave and power, Malin Kundang defeated the pirates.
The merchant was so happy and thanked to him. In return the merchant asked Malin Kundang to sail with him. To get a better life, Malin Kundang agreed. He left his mother alone. Many years later, Malin Kundang became wealthy. He had a huge ship and was helped by many ship crews loading trading goods. Perfectly he had a beautiful wife too. When he was sailing his trading journey, his ship landed on a beach near a small village. The villagers recognized him. The news ran fast in the town; “Malin Kundang has become rich and now he is here”. An old woman ran to the beach to meet the new rich merchant. She was Malin Kundang’s mother.
She wanted to hug him, released her sadness of being lonely after so long time. Unfortunately, when the mother came, Malin Kundang who was in front of his well dressed wife and his ship crews denied meeting that old lonely woman. For three times her mother begged Malin Kundang and for three times he yelled at her. At last Malin Kundang said to her "Enough, old woman! I have never had a mother like you, a dirty and ugly woman!" After that he ordered his crews to set sail. He would leave the old mother again but in that time she was full of both sadness and angriness. Finally, enraged, she cursed Malin Kundang that he would turn into a stone if he didn't apologize. Malin Kundang just laughed and really set sail
(Resolution)
In the quiet sea, suddenly a thunderstorm came. His huge ship was wrecked and it was too late for Malin Kundang to apologize. He was thrown by the wave out of his ship. He fell on a small island. It was really too late for him to avoid his curse. Suddenly,
he turned into a stone.
Lesson II
Topic: Fable
The Tortoise and the Hare
Orientation:
In a lush meadow surrounded by tall trees, there lived a boastful hare and a humble tortoise. The hare was known throughout the forest for his incredible speed, while the tortoise was admired for his steady determination. One sunny morning, the hare couldn't resist taunting the tortoise about his slow pace. "You're so slow and clumsy," jeered the hare. "I could beat you in a race without even breaking a sweat!"
Events:
Undeterred by the hare's mocking words, the tortoise simply smiled and accepted the challenge. The animals of the forest gathered to watch the race, lining the winding path that stretched through the meadow. As the race began, the hare sprinted ahead, leaving the tortoise far behind. Confident of his victory, the hare soon grew complacent and decided to take a nap under a shady tree.
Meanwhile, the tortoise plodded along steadily, his determination unwavering. Slowly but surely, he made his way along the path, never once stopping to rest. When the hare awoke from his nap and saw the tortoise nearing the finish line, he dashed forward with all his might. But it was too late. The tortoise had already crossed the finish line, winning the race by sheer perseverance.
Resolution:
As the animals cheered and congratulated the tortoise on his victory, the hare hung his head in shame. He had learned a valuable lesson about the importance of humility and perseverance. From that day on, the hare and the tortoise became the best of friends, their unlikely friendship serving as a reminder to all the animals of the forest that slow and steady wins the race.
Lesson III
Topic: Culture
The Festival of Lights
Orientation:
In the heart of a vibrant city in India, there existed a tradition that brought the community together in a colorful celebration known as the Festival of Lights, or Diwali. This festival symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Preparation for Diwali began weeks in advance, with families cleaning their homes, decorating them with colorful rangoli designs, and shopping for new clothes and sweets to share with loved ones.
Events:
As the auspicious day of Diwali arrived, the city streets came alive with a dazzling display of lights and fireworks. Families gathered together to light oil lamps, or diyas, and place them around their homes and in the streets. The air was filled with the sweet scent of incense and the sound of laughter and music as people exchanged gifts and feasted on delicious sweets and savory snacks.
Amidst the festivities, there was a sense of unity and joy that transcended barriers of caste, creed, and religion. Neighbors greeted each other with warmth and goodwill, and strangers became friends as they shared in the spirit of Diwali. The entire city seemed to glow with the radiance of a thousand lamps, illuminating the darkness and spreading hope and happiness to all who witnessed it.
Resolution:
As the night drew to a close and the last fireworks lit up the sky, the people of the city gathered together to offer prayers of gratitude for the blessings of the past year and to welcome the new beginnings that Diwali symbolized. And as they bid farewell to the Festival of Lights, their hearts were filled with a sense of peace and harmony that would endure long after the final diya had been extinguished.
Lesson IV
Topic: Adventure
The Lost Expedition
Orientation:
In the heart of the dense Amazon rainforest, a team of adventurous explorers embarked on a daring expedition in search of a legendary lost city hidden deep within the jungle. Among them were seasoned archaeologists, experienced guides, and enthusiastic adventurers, each driven by their thirst for discovery and the thrill of adventure. Armed with maps, supplies, and unwavering determination, they set out into the unknown, eager to uncover the secrets of the ancient civilization that lay hidden beneath the dense foliage.
Events:
As the expedition ventured deeper into the jungle, they encountered a series of challenges that tested their courage and resolve. They traversed treacherous rivers, battled swarms of insects, and navigated through dense undergrowth, all the while facing the relentless heat and humidity of the rainforest. Despite the obstacles that lay in their path, the explorers pressed on, fueled by their unwavering determination to uncover the mysteries of the lost city.
Along the way, they stumbled upon ancient ruins and artifacts that hinted at the existence of the fabled city they sought. Each discovery filled them with renewed excitement and anticipation, spurring them forward in their quest. But as they delved deeper into the jungle, they soon realized that they were not alone. Mysterious figures lurked in the shadows, watching their every move and thwarting their attempts to uncover the truth.
Resolution:
Despite the dangers that surrounded them, the explorers refused to be deterred. With courage and ingenuity, they outwitted their adversaries and pressed on towards their goal. And finally, after days of relentless pursuit, they stumbled upon the ruins of the lost city, hidden amidst the dense vegetation of the jungle. As they stood in awe of the ancient structures that lay before them, they knew that their journey had been worth it. For in that moment, they had unlocked the secrets of a civilization lost to time, and their adventure had become a legend that would be told for generations to come.
Lesson V
Topic: Mystery
The Mysterious Disappearance
Orientation:
In the quaint village of Willowbrook, nestled among rolling hills and whispering woods, there occurred a puzzling mystery that left the townsfolk baffled and concerned. It all began on a foggy autumn evening when young Emily Dawson, a beloved member of the community, vanished without a trace. Emily was last seen walking home from the village market, her laughter filling the air as she carried a basket of fresh apples.
Events:
As news of Emily's disappearance spread, the village was gripped by a sense of unease and apprehension. The townsfolk banded together, scouring the countryside in search of any clues that might lead to her whereabouts. They combed through the dense forests, searched the winding riverbanks, and even ventured into the shadowy depths of the abandoned mines that dotted the landscape.
Despite their best efforts, the search yielded no results, and Emily remained missing. Rumors and speculation swirled through the village, with theories ranging from foul play to supernatural occurrences. The once peaceful community was now plagued by fear and suspicion, as everyone wondered what could have happened to the bright-eyed girl who had captured the hearts of all who knew her.
Resolution:
Just when all hope seemed lost, a breakthrough came in the most unexpected of places. A group of children playing near the edge of the woods stumbled upon a hidden cave concealed by thick undergrowth. Inside the cave, they discovered Emily, safe and unharmed, huddled beside a small stream.
As Emily was reunited with her family and friends, she recounted her harrowing ordeal. She had become disoriented in the dense fog and had wandered off the path, eventually finding herself in the cave. Though frightened and alone, she had managed to stay calm and resourceful until help arrived.
With Emily's safe return, the village breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful that the mystery of her disappearance had finally been solved. And as the sun set over the tranquil landscape of Willowbrook, the villagers rejoiced in the knowledge that their beloved community was once again whole.
Lesson VI
Topic: Fantasy
The Enchanted Forest
Orientation:
In a realm where magic thrived and fantastical creatures roamed, there lay an enchanted forest known as Sylvanwood. This mystical forest was home to ancient trees that whispered secrets of the past, shimmering streams that flowed with liquid silver, and creatures of myth and legend that danced among the dappled sunlight. At the heart of Sylvanwood stood the towering Tree of Wishes, rumored to grant the deepest desires of those pure of heart.
Events:
One fateful day, a young orphan named Elara stumbled upon the edge of Sylvanwood while fleeing from her cruel guardians. Drawn by the tantalizing whispers of the forest, she ventured deeper into its depths, her heart pounding with excitement and trepidation. As she wandered through the enchanted groves, she encountered creatures of wonder and magic, from mischievous fairies to wise old dryads.
Guided by the whispers of the forest, Elara made her way to the ancient Tree of Wishes, its branches reaching toward the sky like fingers grasping for the stars. With trembling hands, she whispered her deepest desire into the bark of the tree, her eyes shining with hope and longing. And in that moment, the forest seemed to come alive with a shimmering light, enveloping Elara in its embrace.
Resolution:
As the light faded and Elara opened her eyes, she found herself standing in the courtyard of a magnificent castle, surrounded by shimmering gardens and sparkling fountains. Before her stood the king and queen, their faces filled with kindness and warmth. They revealed that Elara was not just an ordinary orphan, but the long-lost princess of the realm, destined to rule with wisdom and compassion.
With tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, Elara embraced her newfound family and the magical world that had welcomed her with open arms. And as she gazed out at the wondrous kingdom that lay before her, she knew that her adventure was only just beginning, filled with endless possibilities and boundless magic.
Lesson VII
Topic: Friendship
A Bond of Friendship
Orientation:
In a bustling city neighborhood where tall buildings cast long shadows over narrow streets, there existed an unlikely friendship between two individuals, Lily and Max. Lily was a shy and reserved girl who found solace in the pages of her books, while Max was an outgoing and adventurous boy who thrived on exploring every nook and cranny of their urban environment. Despite their differences, their bond of friendship was unbreakable.
Events:
Their friendship blossomed through shared adventures and quiet moments of understanding. Together, they explored hidden alleyways and secret rooftop hideouts, their laughter echoing through the streets as they navigated the urban jungle. They supported each other through triumphs and tribulations, offering a shoulder to lean on in times of need and celebrating each other's successes with genuine joy.
As the years passed, Lily and Max faced challenges that tested the strength of their friendship. They disagreed, they argued, and they sometimes drifted apart. But through it all, they remained steadfast in their loyalty to each other, their bond growing stronger with each obstacle they overcame. Their friendship was a beacon of light in the sometimes dark and tumultuous world around them.
Resolution:
In the end, it was their friendship that carried them through the toughest of times. When Lily faced a personal crisis, Max was there to offer his unwavering support and encouragement. And when Max found himself in need of a friend, Lily was there to listen without judgment and offer a comforting presence. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of life, their friendship serving as a constant source of strength and stability.
As they stood side by side, facing the unknown future with courage and determination, Lily and Max knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would always have each other. And as they walked hand in hand into the sunset, their hearts full of love and gratitude, they knew that their friendship would endure for a lifetime and beyond.
Lesson VIII
Topic: Sacrifice
The Sacrifice of the Guardian
Orientation:
In the kingdom of Eldoria, nestled among towering mountains and lush valleys, there existed a sacred bond between the people and the mystical creatures known as guardians. These guardians were ancient beings, imbued with wisdom and magic, sworn to protect the kingdom and its inhabitants from harm. Among them was Raelin, a noble and selfless guardian who had served Eldoria faithfully for centuries.
Events:
As darkness loomed on the horizon, threatening to engulf the kingdom in chaos and despair, Raelin sensed a great evil stirring in the depths of the enchanted forest. Determined to protect the people she had sworn to defend, she embarked on a perilous journey into the heart of darkness, knowing that she may never return.
For days, Raelin battled fierce beasts and dark magic as she made her way deeper into the forest, her courage unwavering in the face of adversity. Along the way, she encountered villagers who had been ensnared by the darkness, their souls corrupted by its malevolent influence. With compassion and determination, she freed them from their bonds, offering them hope in the midst of despair.
Resolution:
At last, Raelin reached the heart of the forest, where she confronted the source of the darkness—a powerful demon hell-bent on destroying Eldoria and enslaving its people. In a fierce battle that shook the earth and blotted out the sun, Raelin fought valiantly against the demon, her strength fueled by her love for the kingdom and its people.
In the end, Raelin emerged victorious, but at a great cost. As the last of her strength waned and her life force ebbed away, she made the ultimate sacrifice to save Eldoria from destruction. With her final breath, she banished the demon back to the depths of the abyss, ensuring the safety of the kingdom for generations to come.
And as the people of Eldoria mourned the loss of their beloved guardian, they honored her memory with songs of praise and tales of her bravery. For Raelin's sacrifice had not been in vain—it had brought light to the darkness and hope to the hopeless, leaving behind a legacy that would never be forgotten.
Lesson IX
Topic: Love
A Love Beyond Time
Orientation:
In the picturesque town of Willowbrook, where fields of wildflowers danced in the gentle breeze and the scent of lavender lingered in the air, there existed a love that transcended time itself. It all began centuries ago when two star-crossed lovers, Anna and William, found solace in each other's arms amidst the turmoil of war and strife. Their love was forbidden by the laws of society, but they vowed to defy all odds and be together, no matter the cost.
Events:
As they navigated the trials and tribulations of life, Anna and William's love only grew stronger with each passing day. They stole moments of stolen kisses and whispered promises, their hearts entwined in a bond that could not be broken. But their happiness was short-lived, for war tore them apart, forcing them to flee from their beloved Willowbrook in search of safety and sanctuary.
For years, Anna and William wandered the world, their love guiding them through the darkest of times. They faced countless obstacles and challenges, but their unwavering devotion to each other sustained them through the toughest of trials. And though they were separated by miles and years, their love remained as pure and true as the day they first met.
Resolution:
In the end, it was love that brought Anna and William back to Willowbrook, their journey coming full circle as they returned to the place where their love had begun. As they stood hand in hand amidst the ruins of their former home, they felt a sense of peace wash over them, knowing that their love had endured through the ages.
And as they looked up at the starry sky above, they knew that their love would live on forever, a beacon of hope and light in a world filled with darkness and despair. For Anna and William had shown that love knows no bounds, transcending time and space to unite two souls in a bond that could never be broken.
Lesson X
Topic: Survival
Stranded in the Wilderness
Orientation:
In the rugged wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, a group of adventurers embarked on a thrilling expedition into the heart of nature. Among them were Sarah, an experienced wilderness guide, and her companions, Mark and Emily. Their journey began with excitement and anticipation as they set out to explore the breathtaking landscapes and untamed beauty of the mountains.
Events:
As they ventured deeper into the wilderness, disaster struck when their small plane crashed into the dense forest, leaving them stranded miles from civilization. With their supplies dwindling and no sign of rescue in sight, Sarah, Mark, and Emily faced a daunting challenge: to survive against the unforgiving elements and find their way back to safety.
Day by day, they battled hunger, fatigue, and the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. They foraged for food, built makeshift shelters, and navigated treacherous terrain in search of a way out. Along the way, they encountered wild animals and unpredictable weather, testing their courage and resilience at every turn.
Resolution:
Despite the odds stacked against them, Sarah, Mark, and Emily refused to give up hope. With unwavering determination and a bond forged through adversity, they pressed on, drawing strength from each other as they fought for survival. And when all seemed lost, they stumbled upon a remote ranger station, their beacon of hope in the vast wilderness.
With tears of relief streaming down their faces, Sarah, Mark, and Emily were rescued and brought back to civilization, their harrowing ordeal coming to an end. Though they bore the scars of their journey, they emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before, their bond as survivors unbreakable in the face of adversity. And as they looked back on their wilderness ordeal, they knew that they had faced the ultimate test of survival and emerged victorious, their spirits unbroken by the challenges they had overcome.
HOW TO IDENTIFY?
Identifying the main idea and supporting details
There are many definitions of the main idea and its supporting details, such as:
MAIN IDEA
According to Barnes and Burgdorf, the purpose of identifying the main idea is to help students discover the thesis or central idea of a paragraph. The main idea is the most important element presented in a paragraph. It is the foundation upon which all other sentences are built. This is not much different from Hennings, who states that sometimes writers state their main idea somewhere at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a paragraph. At other times, they include a sentence that nearly states the main idea but still provides clear clues.
Burn states that the main idea is the most important information that the writer wants you to know about the concept of the paragraph. The main idea organizes the entire paragraph. It is usually expressed in a topic sentence, which identifies the subject of discussion.
Facts about topic sentences include:
Topic sentences often state the main idea of the paragraph.
They are frequently found at the beginning of the paragraph, sometimes at the end or in the middle, and not all sentences have topic sentences.
The main idea is supported by details and well-written paragraphs. If the main idea is not directly stated, readers can determine it by finding the topic that relates to all the supporting details. The main idea of the entire passage can be determined by examining the main ideas of each paragraph and deciding what topic they are related to. Main ideas are commonly found at the beginning and followed by supporting sentences. Often, authors start with supporting evidence and place the main idea in the last sentence. Therefore, the main idea can be presented at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the paragraph.
Example 1:
“The physical complaints of neurotics – people who are overly anxious, pessimistic, hostile, or tense – were once largely ignored by physician. Many doctors believed that the frequent complaint of neurotic were exaggerations. However, new research shows that neurotics are, fact, more likely to have physical problems. Specifically, researchers found neurotics stand a greater chance of having five particular ailments: arthritis, asthma, ulcers, headaches, and heart disease. In addition, there is evidence that people who are pessimistic in their teens and twenties are more likely to become ill or die in their forties”.
Main Idea: The third sentence. The two sentences before the topic sentence introduce questions about neurotic physical health. The topic sentence provides the writer's main idea about the topic. The last two sentences develop the main idea by providing specific details of relevant research.
SUPPORTING DETAILS
Supporting details are a paragraph containing facts, specific examples, statements that guide us to a complete understanding of the main idea. Supporting details support the main idea by telling us how, what, when, or where. Supporting details provide further information about the topic. These ideas are not as general as the main idea. Instead, they help the reader better understand the main idea. Supporting details also provide information that supports the topic sentence. You can create supporting details with descriptions, examples, reasons, explanations, and comparisons.
Each paragraph has a main idea or topic that tells us about the contents of the paragraph. Often, you will find the main idea discussed in the first or second sentence of a paragraph. Supporting ideas usually follow the main idea. Sentences containing supporting details explain or provide us with more information about the main idea.
Example 2:
“Homeless people have many problems. In winter, it’s hard to stay warm and it gets too hot in summer. It’s also hard to keep things safe without a home. Worst is the lack of privacy”.
The ability to sequence events in a text is a key strategy for understanding, especially for narrative texts.