Narrative Writing Prompt - The Family Curse

This narrative writing prompt will bring an element of magic to your English lesson. Use this story prompt to engage your children in their writing journey. There are many ways in which your students can shape their stories about ‘The Family Curse’. Perhaps the main character has just recently discovered an ancient family curse. Maybe a witch, who is a relative, has appeared and disclosed of a family curse. Perhaps it’s a modern day story where your character has learned to live with a curse. Encourage your students to be imaginative, and at the same time, to keep things simple when planning for this short story writing. Have the writing prompt displayed on the white board and generate some creative discussion!

Story Starter

The forest offered no safety from the nightmares. The loud ringing of bells and an almost too angelic voice hummed harshly in his ears, as if someone was using cymbals on his head. He felt his entire body vibrate; a low shiver ran down his spine. Though he was awake John knew that he would not escape, the ever-increasing fear coursing through his veins. A bead of sweat raced down John’s temple as he stopped in his tracks, trying to shake the dire thoughts from his mind. He suddenly felt very warm in his coat, though the day was as cold as frigid ice.

Narrative writing - The Family Curse

Narrative Writing Example

This is an excellent writing examples for your students to critique! The vocabulary and descriptive language used is outstanding. Have your students highlight some of the favorite words from the text, and encourage them to use them in their writing. Also, get them to identify how the author has described certain parts of the story. Get them to ‘magpie’ some of the best sentences – “A bead of sweat raced down John’s temple as he stopped in his tracks”. 

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Narrative writing - The Family Curse
Narrative writing planner
Narrative writing planner
Narrative assessment rubric