Recount writing guide

Model clinic

Compare a draft with a stronger version.

Less effective: We went to the museum. It was good.

More effective: On Tuesday, our class visited the science museum. The hands-on exhibits made energy easier to picture.

A time anchor and specific reflection make the recount useful.

How the text works

Purpose: Tell events in the order they happened

Common forms: Personal, historical, scientific, eyewitness

Typical structure: Orientation → events in time order → closing reflection

Language features: Past tense; time links; specific people, places and actions

Tone and register: Reflective and factual; personal recounts may use first person, formal reports usually use third person.

Choose a clear viewpoint. Keep each event useful to the purpose; finish by saying why it mattered.

□ The opening makes the purpose clear: Tell events in the order they happened.
□ Each part has a clear place and moves the reader towards the purpose.
□ The language features, tone and level of formality fit the reader and situation.
□ I have checked the details, paragraphing and punctuation before sharing.