Year 6 Narrative Writing

In Year 6 Writing, we have been learning about narratives.

We began our unit by exploring sizzling starts—engaging openings that immediately capture the reader's attention and make them want to continue reading. A sizzling start is never boring!

We have discovered five different techniques to begin a narrative effectively:

1. Dialogue – starting with a conversation.

2. Onomatopoeia – using a sound effect to draw the reader in.

3. Action – beginning with an exciting or dramatic event.

4. Painting a Word Picture – creating a vivid description that immerses the reader.

5. Rhetorical Question – posing a thought-provoking question to spark curiosity.

Below are some examples of sizzling starts based on the topic "The Empty House."

The Empty House - Dominic

As the door creaked, Bob slowly turned around to the sound of a sudden shut. The door mysteriously closed shut, making a horrifying sound. As soon as Bob turned around, he heard the creaking noise again. It sounded like the creaking of a rusty gate, so he turned around to try and spook whatever was in there. And SHUT! It slammed closed. Bob was left in shock as he didn't know what happened, slowly, he started to step towards the door. As he was walking, the floorboards went CRUNCH! He fell through the floorboards and into a mysterious area all that was around him was pure white walls with mysterious men all masked with black gear on.

The Empty House - Koshika

BANG! The thunder crashed into the empty night sky, as Jamie creeped into the eerie, abandoned country house. Instincts of the poor, young boy screamed to flee, but curiosity and interest led the adolescent child to stay. What would happen if he decided to stay any minute longer? 

“This is a terrible idea,” he whispered gently to himself. Spider webs were filled within the medieval castle, sending cold shivers down the petrified boy’s spine.

The Empty House - Isabelle

BOOM! BANG! CRASH! Thunder rolled as Bella walked home from her grandmother's house, and soon it started to rain. She remembered seeing a strange painting of an odd cake when she arrived. The painting looked old, and since her grandmother had just moved into a new house, Bella had volunteered to help her unpack. However, the house gave her the creeps. The next day, she went back to finish unpacking and to make breakfast for her grandmother.