Guidelines for Crafting a Narrative Essay in English Based on Visual Prompts
[Writing Task]
Imagine you are Li Hua, a first-year student at Hongxing High School. Please compose an English weekly journal entry detailing the experience of hosting foreign students and guiding them through the exploration of Chinese tea culture, following the sequence of the provided four illustrations.
Instructions: The word count should be approximately 120 words.
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[Writing Guidance]
I. Understanding the Prompt and Setting the Tone
This writing assignment requires you to draft an English journal entry based on a series of images, recounting a recent event. When composing your essay, it is essential to arrange the content in a logical and structured manner by connecting the visuals through thoughtful elaboration. Ensure that the “six elements” of narrative writing are clearly addressed, and employ vivid, descriptive language. Additionally, you may conclude with personal reflections or sentiments.
From the prompt, it is evident that the essay should primarily utilize the first and third-person perspectives, with past tense verbs predominantly employed since the event has already occurred.
II. Structuring the Composition
This essay can be divided into three sections:
1. Introduce the main theme.
2. Describe the process of the event, as illustrated in the four images.
3. Conclude by summarizing the experience and its impact on you.
The second section is the focal point of the essay. By carefully observing each image and considering the accompanying captions, we can identify the key points for each illustration:
Image 1: Introducing Chinese tea culture to foreign students in the school’s tea room.
Image 2: Demonstrating the tea-making process to foreign students, who show keen interest.
Image 3: Foreign students engaging in the tea-making process themselves.
Image 4: Taking a group photo to commemorate the event.
III. Language Organization
1. Introducing the Theme.
Standard Expression
…, a group of foreign students visited our school to learn more about Chinese tea culture.
Advanced Expression
…, a group of foreign students paid a visit to our school to gain a profound understanding of Chinese tea culture.
2. Describing the Event.
Standard Expression
• I introduced the history of tea-making and various types of tea. All of them were highly interested in my presentation.
• I sat at a table, explaining each step of the tea-making process. Amazed by the demonstration, all the foreign students eagerly wanted to participate.
• After observing my demonstration, all the foreign students attempted to make tea themselves. Enjoying the freshly brewed tea, everyone was delighted and enthusiastic.
• Finally, we gathered with cups in hand and took a group photo to preserve this memorable moment.
Advanced Expression
• I introduced the history of tea-making and diverse types of tea, which captured their profound interest.
• I sat at a table, meticulously explaining each step of the tea-making process. Greatly impressed, they could not wait to try it themselves.
• When it was their turn, the tea room buzzed with activity as each foreign student attempted to brew their own tea. They thoroughly enjoyed the process, practicing and savoring the tea.
• In the end, we took a group photo, each holding a cup, to capture this unforgettable experience.
3. Reflecting on the Experience.
Standard Expression
The activity was enjoyable and meaningful. We should organize more such events to share our culture.
Advanced Expression
…, more such activities should be organized to promote cultural exchange.
[Sample Essays]
[Standard Version]
Last week, a group of foreign students visited our school to explore our tea culture.
First, I introduced the history of tea-making and different kinds of tea in the tea room. All of them were quite interested in my introduction. Then I demonstrated how to make tea. I sat at a table and explained every step. All of the foreign students were amazed and couldn’t wait to have a try themselves. After watching my show, all the foreign students practiced and managed to make their own tea. Enjoying the delicious tea, everyone was happy and excited. In the end, we held cups in our hands and took a group photo to record this unforgettable experience.
The activity was fun and meaningful. We should organize more such activities to introduce our culture!
[Advanced Version]
Last week, a group of foreign students paid a visit to our school to gain a deep understanding of our tea culture.
First, I introduced the history of tea-making and various types of tea in the tea room, which aroused their great interest. Then I demonstrated how to make tea. I sat at a table, explaining every step. Greatly amazed, they couldn’t wait to have a try themselves. When their turn came, the tea room became lively with every foreign student attempting to make their own tea. They had a lot of fun, practicing, and enjoying the tea. In the end, we took a group photo, with cups in our hands, to record this unforgettable experience.
Fun and meaningful, more such activities should be organized to introduce our culture.
[Practice Exercise]
Assume you are Li Hua, a first-year student at Hongxing High School. Your classmates participated in the school’s “Earth Day” series of activities. Write an English article for the school magazine’s “English Corner” titled “Actions for a Greener Earth,” describing the entire process in the order of the following four images.
Instructions: The word count should be approximately 120 words.
Keyword: Earth Day
Actions for a Greener Earth
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Editor | Yang Ning
Reviewer | Li Dong
Proofreader | Lü Fang