Reading a literary narrative — practise in context

Reading a literary narrative: progressive explanation, topic-specific examples, guided exercises and a corrected assessment.

Duration: 25 minPrerequisites: recit-litteraire-comprendrePass mark: 80%

1. Objective

By the end, you will apply “Reading a literary narrative” to new examples and justify your choices.

2. I discover

This time, separate background from action. Which sentences establish the waiting? Which sentence actually moves the story forward?

3. I understand

In a narrative, do not only look for what happens. Identify who tells the story, where and when it takes place, then separate background, action and character reaction.

Depuis une heure, Malik attendait le dernier train.Le quai brillait sous les néons et personne ne parlait.Soudain, les haut-parleurs annoncèrent une interruption du trafic.Malik regarda l’horloge, puis son téléphone presque déchargé.Une femme lui proposa de partager un taxi.Il hésita une seconde avant d’accepter.

Watch out

When you justify an answer, point to a clue in the text: a tense, a time marker, a place or a character’s words.

4. Guided practice

5. Independent practice

6. I write / I speak

Turn the scene into three steps: initial situation, event, Malik’s decision. Do not add anything the text does not support.

7. Check-up

8. Remember

To read a narrative: locate the scene, identify the event that changes the situation, then observe the characters’ reaction. Support your interpretation with the text.

Download the worksheet (PDF)

9. Now I can…

I can identify useful clues in “Reading a literary narrative”.
I can explain my choice instead of guessing.
I can reuse this skill in a real text or exchange.