Year 6 Writing Pathway

Narrative Writing

• Use the adjective phrases starting with of after the noun to describe
people. For example: a man of integrity, a world of wonder.

• Use adjectives that describe a person’s gait, voice, clothes, and
distinguishing features – hobbling, stuttering, flat cap, warty nose.

• Use adjectives that create atmosphere and mood to enhance the
visualisation of setting – The sun went down in swirling patterns of burnt
umber, magenta and rose.

• Start sentences with the adverbial phrase of manner with a comma. For example: 
With caution and anxiety, … In a mood of elation, …

• Use a relative clause with a prepositional phrase to enhance the
visualisation – The tiger, which prowled through the sweltering jungle, had
not eaten all day.

• Use the speech + speaker + speech pattern in dialogue – “Oh no!” she
exclaimed. “He’s missed the plane.”

• Use the dash to show interesting ideas – The cabin was deserted –
there were absolutely no signs of life.

• Start paragraphs using different sentence starters.

• Use alliteration to draw attention to an idea – ravenous rats,
melancholy Mondays, terrifying tales.

Recount Writing

Use the adjective phrase starting with of after the noun – a man of
distinction, an air of gloom.

• Use adjectives that describe a person’s gait, voice, clothes, and
distinguishing features – plodding, booming, tweed jacket, bald head.

• Use the adverbial phrase of manner to describe people – With great
determination, … Wide-eyed and thrilled, …

• Include a relative clause that defines place with a prepositional phrase
– The House of Parliament, where the PM speaks, is a formal chamber.

• Use the speech + speaker + speech pattern in dialogue – “No,” he
stated. “I won’t.”

• Use the dash to show interesting ideas – It is old – older than the
history books record.

• Use the semi-colon to link ideas in a chain sentence – I wanted to swim
in the oceans; I was desperate to swim with dolphins.

• Use varied temporal phrases to start paragraphs – Early in the morning,
… One sunny Saturday, …

• Include humour or a joke as appropriate.

• Use a repeated sentence or sentence pattern for effect – He was never
happy. He was never pleased.

• Use a metaphor for effect – He is a ravenous wolf when he eats his tea.