Story Writing

Writing a Story Outline for Class 4 English

A story outline is a method used to form your story. It’s a way to develop a visual look and a comprehensive plan for your story. In this chapter students will learn to develop a story outline with examples.

In this learning concept, students will learn:

• Story outline meaning with story outline example.
• Writing a short story based on a given outline
• Common errors to avoid while writing a story outline

Every concept for class 4 English students has been covered using examples, illustrations, and concept maps. Once you go through a concept, assess your learning by solving the two printable worksheets given at the end of the page. Download the worksheets and check your answers with the worksheet solutions for the concept provided in PDF format.

What is an Outline of a story?

The outline of a story describes a sequence of events in the form of points and small phrases.

How to Develop a Story using an Outline?

Have a look at the following points to develop a story using an outline.

1. First, read the story outline thoroughly and understand what it is all about.
2. Note down the characters from the outline. They could be humans or animals or even non-living things.
3. Next, develop the points into complete sentences to form a story.
4. Follow the story outline as it is.
   • Track the events of the story in order as the points are given accordingly. It is these points that form the series of the story.
   • Do no overlook any part of the story outline.
   • Do not mention unnecessary or unrelated events that may change the story totally.
5. Follow the Beginning, middle and end methods to develop the story.
6. A story is generally written in the past tense form, even if the outline is in the present form.
7. To make the story more interesting dialogues or conversations can be used.
8. Give a suitable title to your story. Choose a title that is related to the events or the main characters of the story. The main words of the title must be in capital letters. Do not use punctuation or quotation marks unless it is a sentence. The article and conjunction are not in capital letters.

   Example:

   The Wolf and the Sheep

Let us have a look at an example of a story developed using an Outline:

Birbal - courtiers jealous of him - ask Akbar to test his wisdom – a courtier asks him a question - How many crows in the city - Birbal asks for time of a week to know it - everyday Birbal seen on the terrace counting crows- courtier asks him again after 1 week - Birbal says as many crow as hairs on the head of the courtier -Akbar bursts into laughter.

The Clever Birbal

Some courtiers in Akbar's court were jealous of Birbal. They suggested King Akbar to test Birbal’s wisdom. Akbar granted them permission. One of the courtiers walked up to Birbal and said, "You are very clever. You can surely tell me how many crows are there is this city."

Birbal thought for some time and said, "Give me one week and I will let you know the number." From that evening onwards, Birbal would go to the terrace and stare at the crows that were perched on various places or flew by.

A week later, Birbal has questioned again in Akbar’s court the same question. Birbal asked him, "Can you tell me how the number of hair on your head?"

"No," said the man. Birbal wittily replied "I am extremely sorry, then, as that is exactly the number of crows here in the city". Akbar and other courtiers laughed.

Moral: Cleverness is strength.

Common Mistakes

1. Do not mention unnecessary or unrelated events. Even if you are adding such details, make sure that it does not change the story.
2. Follow the sequence as given in the outline as it will proper development of the story.