Michael Rosen - English KS1-KS2 - How to write a recount

Summary

In this video, Michael Rosen discusses the art of writing a recount, focusing on the key elements that make it engaging and easy to follow. He explains how recounts are written in the past tense, from a single viewpoint, and must be structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Rosen emphasizes the importance of using emotive language and time connectives to enhance the reader's experience. He also suggests using visual aids like maps or timelines to plan a recount and reflects on the process of revising drafts for improvement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Recounts are a type of writing that reconstruct a past experience, typically told from the author's viewpoint.
• 😀 Recounts are written in the past tense to reflect on events that have already occurred.
• 😀 Recount stories can be based on real-life experiences or imagined scenarios, like a day in the life of a pop star.
• 😀 A great way to start writing a recount is to create a diagram, such as a map or timeline, to organize your thoughts.
• 😀 Recount stories should follow a chronological order, detailing events as they happened.
• 😀 Structure is key in recounts: include a beginning, middle, and end to make the story clear and engaging.
• 😀 Emotive language is crucial in recounts to help the reader visualize the story and feel more connected to the events.
• 😀 Using time connectives, such as 'firstly', 'meanwhile', and 'eventually', helps to link events smoothly in a recount.
• 😀 Conclude your recount with a reflection on what happened and what might happen next to leave the reader with a sense of closure.
• 😀 After writing the first draft, review and edit your work, considering if parts could be improved or made more engaging.
• 😀 As an author, it’s important to keep refining your work through multiple drafts, adding in new sentences that enhance the story.

Q & A

What is a recount, and how is it different from other types of writing?

A recount is a type of writing where you reconstruct a past experience and tell the reader what happened. It is written in the past tense and usually from one viewpoint, typically the author's. Unlike other types of writing, such as narrative or descriptive writing, recounts focus on recounting events that actually took place or imagined events in a structured format.

What tense should a recount be written in, and why?

A recount should be written in the past tense. This is because it is reconstructing and recalling an event or experience that has already taken place, creating a sense of reflection and remembrance.

What are some examples of recount topics mentioned in the script?

Examples of recount topics include telling a story about the last time you went on holiday, or imagining a day in the life of a pop star. These stories can be based on real events or imagined scenarios.

How can you begin planning a recount story?

One of the easiest ways to start planning a recount story is to draw a diagram, such as a map of a place you could have visited, or to create a timeline of events that could occur in an imaginary day.

What is the importance of chronological order in a recount?

Chronological order is important in a recount because it helps to sequence the events in the order they happened, allowing the reader to follow the story logically and clearly.

How should a recount be structured?

A recount should include a clear beginning, middle, and end. This structure helps organize the story and ensures that it is easy for the reader to follow the events and understand the progression.

Why is it important to use emotive language in a recount?

Emotive language helps to set the scene and makes the recount more exciting and vivid for the reader. It allows the reader to visualize the events and feel more engaged with the story.

Can you give an example of how to use emotive language in a recount?

An example of using emotive language is: 'I woke early when the sun had just risen, and as I walked to the park, the rain started to drizzle like a summery waterfall.' This description creates a more immersive experience for the reader.

What are time connectives, and why are they important in recount writing?

Time connectives, such as 'firstly,' 'secondly,' 'finally,' 'meanwhile,' and 'afterwards,' are words or phrases that help link events in the recount. They guide the reader through the story in a clear, chronological manner.

What should you do after completing the first draft of your recount?

After completing the first draft, it's important to read through it to assess whether you like the content, and check if there are parts you would change. You can also read it aloud to hear how it sounds and determine if it flows well.

How does the process of editing help in writing a recount?

Editing allows the author to refine their recount by keeping the parts they like and improving or replacing those they don't. Constant editing helps to ensure that the writing is as clear and engaging as possible.