B1+Narrative+Writing

Stories and Anecdotes: How often do we tell them?
Stories are told every day. We tell our friends what happened to us over the weekend, and colour our lives. We often structure these stories or "narratives" with time expressions. Choose the best of the following expressions to complete this little story.

Choose from these expressions: At first First of all Initially In the end Finally Eventually

I went Christmas shopping this weekend and, it was quite successful. I didn't really want to go because I was tired, but it was a lovely day yesterday so I set off hopefully towards the centre of Verona. ................... I found it difficult to choose exactly the right present for all my friends, especially my friend Felix, who is very difficult when it comes to presents. He already has everything he wants, and I want to give him something he'll really like. ............................. I went to Fnac to look at books and DVDs but I couldn't find anything, particular. Then I decided to look round the Christmas market. I was a bit depressed because I couldn't find anything new or amazing. Most of the stalls seemed to have the same things they'd had last year, and I was looking for a particular stall I'd liked last year, but, of course, I couldn't find it! But ...................., after walking round for what seemed like hours, I found some lovely little bowls to give my friend. He loves things for the house, and ................................ I went back to Fnac and bought a wonderful new computer for myself. So, that is why .......................... it was a success.

I went Christmas shopping this weekend and, it was quite successful. I didn't really want to go because I was tired, but it was a lovely day yesterday so I set off hopefully towards the centre of Verona. At first I found it difficult to choose exactly the right present for all my friends, especially my friend Felix, who is very difficult when it comes to presents. He already has everything he wants, and I want to give him something he'll really like. First of all I went to Fnac to look at books and DVDs but I couldn't find anything, particular. Then I decided to look round the Christmas market. I was a bit depressed because I couldn't find anything new or amazing. Most of the stalls seemed to have the same things they'd had last year, and I was lookingfor a particular stall I'd liked last year, but, of course, I couldn't find it! But eventually, after walking round for what seemed like hours, I found some lovely little bowls to give my friend. He loves things for the house, and finally I went back to Fnac and bought a wonderful new computer for myself. So, that is why in the end it was a success.
 * Answers **

Narratives often have these components. Can you find them in this story:
1. An initial comment to "set the scene" 2. A final comment to "end the story" 3. background 4. Events or actions 5. Chronological ordering structure 6. Evaluative comments 7. A problem 8. A solution

Two of these expressions refer to an initial situation which changes later in the story. Which ones are they? Two of these expressions refer to something that happened finally, after a lot of problems or difficulties. Which are they? The other two expressions refer simply to the beginning or the end of the sequence. Which ones are they? Now to practise using these yourself, think of how you spent your Sunday afternoon and structure your story in a similar way to the "Christmas shopping" story above. Now go to the digital storytelling page