2.5.2. Characteristic
Every genre has its own characteristic, included narrative writing. Based on Butt et al., in Hyland 2004: 171, the narrative text has structural elements,
textual features, and grammatical features. It will be described as follows: 1.
Structural elements a.
Orientation obligatory Sets up what is follow by introducing who, where, when ex. Setting and
narrator b.
Complication obligatory Sequence of events disrupted, creating a problem or crisis for participants.
Characters evaluate problematic events to give them significance. c.
Resolution obligatory Problem resolved; normal events resume
d. Coda optional
Shows how characters have been changed by events 2.
Textual features a.
Reference Look forward to foreshadow disruption of normal events
Out into the context I Time conjunction when
b. –References: track main characters two twits, they, I, me, etc., refers back
to sections of text this
-Conjunction: series of clauses in temporal sequence while, and, when, signal crisis point but
-Appraisal: repetition to build up suspense, expression of attitude stupid, harmless
c. Conjunction
Causal so signals beginning of resolution of crisis Temporal sequence when, finally, and
d. Conjunction
Counter expectancy but 3.
Grammatical features a.
Dependent time clause when I was walking home from school with circumstances of place home from school to build setting
Past tense with complete happened and incomplete walking aspect b.
Clauses combined in different ways, i.e., expansion, projection, non-finite and finite dependent, embedded clauses as participants
Main theme participants two twits, they, I Sequence of past tense material processes rode, kicked, jumped, took off
Past tense verbal processes started yelling Past tense mental processes
decided to, didn’t mind, made me sore, gave in to my temper
Past tense relational processes was to evaluate events, to slow action, and to build suspense
c. Sequence of past tense material processes in quick succession chased,
caught up, threw, missed, managed to escape, run d.
Mental process think Relational process to evaluate was
Expressions of attitude victor, worth it
2.6 School and Class Profile