Recount writing retells past events. It aims to inform and entertain the reader.
Features of recount writing:
- Recounts start by setting the scene – What? Where? When? How?
- Events are in chronological order.
- They are written in the past tense and in active voice.
- They use time connectives e.g., after, then, next, meanwhile.
- They focus on people and events.
- They use first or third person point of view.
- They use technical language relevant to the subject.
- The closing statement should comment on or evaluate events.
Read this opening sentence of this student's recount work:
The sun was setting as the explosion ripped through the sky. I was sitting in the cafe with Steph when it happened.
Match up the who, what, when, where questions with their answers from the sentence.
Steph and I
Read the opening of this student's recount work:
Although it was three years ago, I still remember it clearly. From the beginning of the match it was clear it was going to be close; Dad's nails were bitten down and Jed kept swearing under his breath. You could cut the tension across the stands with a knife.
Answer the who, what, where, when questions from their work.
Dad, Jed and I
Three years ago
Re-read the introduction with the conventions of recount writing in it (click on the Help button above). Why is the following sentence not recount writing?
After consideration of the facts, we have decided that you are not responsible for the theft of the pencil sharpener, after all.
Read the following sentence, why is it not recount writing?
We'll meet in town at 6pm, by the clocktower, for a night of mayhem and madness!
Which one of the following forms of text is most likely to be recount writing?
Which of the following forms of text is likely to be recount writing? (Choose THREE options).
Here are some statements about recount writing. Select those that are correct. (Choose THREE options)
Read this student's recount writing. Fill in the missing word with a time connective beginning with M (write the WHOLE word in the box below).
The first policeman got out of the car and walked towards us. M_________, Jack hid the fake passports in a hole he's cut under the driver's seat.