Functional skills Narrative Writing Techniques & Cyclical Structure Lesson

A teacher-designed PowerPoint lesson focused on narrative language techniques and cyclical (circular) plot structure, suitable for KS3 and fully adaptable for GCSE-level English Language narrative writing preparation.

This structured lesson includes explicit technique identification tasks, higher-order thinking prompts, and writing scaffolds that build student confidence in analysis and creative composition.

Learning Content Covers:

Narrative Language Techniques

Simile

Metaphor

Personification

Alliteration

Hyperbole

Onomatopoeia

Repetition

Pathetic fallacy

Vocabulary & figurative meaning

Students complete engaging identification tasks (e.g. “Her heart was as hard as stone” — Simile; “The door banged shut” — Onomatopoeia, etc.) with clear multiple-choice formats.

Cyclical Narrative Structure

Understanding equilibrium → disruption → resolution → return to origin

Comparison of traditional vs circular plot structures using the character Oscar

Story-graph plotting activity based on a cyclical short video narrative

Independent writing task to create a circular narrative with a moral/message

Resource Includes:

Full teacher PowerPoint lesson (.pptx)

Multiple technique identification activities with answer options

Cyclical plot modelling & structure comparison

Writing prompt slide for independent cyclical/circular narrative creation

Moral/lesson point planning opportunity

Clean, classroom-ready formatting

Easily adaptable for:

AQA English Language

Secondary English lessons

Literacy interventions

Creative writing units

Skills Developed:

Identifying figurative and descriptive techniques

Interpreting meaning in context

Understanding narrative plot shapes

Planning and executing a cyclical narrative

Crafting moral or thematic messages

Creative composition for exam or enrichment

Best For Teachers Who Want:

A single lesson introducing both language techniques + circular narrative structure

GCSE-adaptable practice without creating new materials

A blend of analysis, modelling, and extended writing

To support reading → writing literacy progression