Menguasai Narrative Text: Latihan Soal Bahasa Inggris Lengkap dengan Kunci Jawaban

1. Which of the following best describes the main purpose of a narrative text?

• To persuade the reader to agree with an argument.
• To provide factual information about a topic.
• To entertain the reader with a story.
• To describe how something works or is made.

Answer: To entertain the reader with a story.

Explanation: The primary goal of narrative texts is to tell a story, which inherently aims to entertain the reader.

2. The part of a narrative text where the main conflict is introduced and developed is called the…

• Orientation.
• Resolution.
• Complication.
• Coda.

Answer: Complication.

Explanation: The complication is where the problem or conflict of the story emerges and escalates.

3. Which of the following tenses is most commonly used in narrative texts?

• Present Tense.
• Future Tense.
• Past Tense.
• Present Perfect Tense.

Answer: Past Tense.

Explanation: Narrative texts typically recount events that have already happened, hence the frequent use of past tenses (e.g., Simple Past, Past Continuous, Past Perfect).

4. Read the excerpt: ‘Once upon a time, in a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived a lonely woodcutter.’ This sentence primarily serves as the…

• Complication.
• Resolution.
• Orientation.
• Climax.

Answer: Orientation.

Explanation: This sentence introduces the setting (‘small village’, ‘whispering forest’), the time (‘once upon a time’), and a character (‘lonely woodcutter’), which are all elements of the orientation.

5. What is the term for the turning point of a story, where the conflict reaches its peak?

• Falling Action.
• Rising Action.
• Climax.
• Denouement.

Answer: Climax.

Explanation: The climax is the moment of greatest tension or drama in a story, where the main conflict is confronted.

6. Which of these is NOT a common characteristic of a narrative text?

• Involves characters and a setting.
• Has a sequence of events.
• Contains a conflict or problem.
• Uses primarily persuasive language.

Answer: Uses primarily persuasive language.

Explanation: Narrative texts primarily use descriptive and action-oriented language to tell a story, not persuasive language, which is characteristic of expository or argumentative texts.

7. A story about the origin of a natural phenomenon, often involving gods or supernatural beings, is typically classified as a…

• Fable.
• Legend.
• Fairy Tale.
• Myth.

Answer: Myth.

Explanation: Myths are traditional stories, often ancient, that explain natural or social phenomena, usually involving deities or heroic figures.

8. What is the ‘Coda’ or ‘Re-orientation’ section in some narrative texts?

• The part where the main problem begins.
• The highest point of tension in the story.
• An optional concluding statement, moral lesson, or reflection.
• The introduction of characters and setting.

Answer: An optional concluding statement, moral lesson, or reflection.

Explanation: The Coda/Re-orientation is an optional final part of a narrative that offers a moral lesson, a reflection, or a change in the characters.

9. Which of the following is an example of an ‘action verb’ often found in narrative texts?

• Was.
• Seemed.
• Ran.
• Appeared.

Answer: Ran.

Explanation: Action verbs describe physical or mental actions performed by characters. ‘Ran’ clearly indicates an action.

10. In a narrative text, ‘characterization’ refers to…

• The location and time of the story.
• The main problem faced by the characters.
• The sequence of events in the story.
• The way an author describes and develops characters.

Answer: The way an author describes and develops characters.

Explanation: Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the personality of a character, often through their actions, words, thoughts, and what others say about them.

11. Which of these conjunctions is typically used to indicate sequence of events in a narrative?

• Because.
• Although.
• However.
• Then.

Answer: Then.

Explanation: Conjunctions like ‘then’, ‘after that’, ‘suddenly’, ‘finally’ are used to show the chronological order of events in a narrative.

12. A story where animals act and speak like humans and convey a moral lesson is called a…

• Legend.
• Myth.
• Fairy Tale.
• Fable.

Answer: Fable.

Explanation: Fables are short stories, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral.

13. If a story ends happily and the main conflict is resolved, it typically falls under the category of…

• Complication.
• Climax.
• Orientation.
• Resolution.

Answer: Resolution.

Explanation: The resolution is the part of the story where the main problem is solved or worked out, often leading to a happy or satisfying conclusion.

14. The atmosphere or emotional mood of a story is known as its…

• Plot.
• Theme.
• Setting.
• Mood.

Answer: Mood.

Explanation: The mood refers to the general atmosphere or feeling created by the author in a literary work, experienced by the reader.

15. When a character directly states their thoughts and feelings in a narrative, it is an example of…

• Indirect speech.
• Narrator’s commentary.
• Descriptive language.
• Direct speech.

Answer: Direct speech.

Explanation: Direct speech involves quoting the exact words spoken or thought by a character, usually indicated by quotation marks.

16. Which element defines ‘where and when’ the story takes place?

• Character.
• Plot.
• Theme.
• Setting.

Answer: Setting.

Explanation: The setting establishes the time and location of the story’s events.

17. The series of events that make up a story is called the…

• Theme.
• Plot.
• Moral.
• Dialogue.

Answer: Plot.

Explanation: The plot is the sequence of interconnected events and happenings in a story.

18. A story that tells about historical events or characters but is often unverified and passed down through generations is a…

• Fable.
• Myth.
• Legend.
• Fairy tale.

Answer: Legend.

Explanation: Legends are traditional stories sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.

19. What is the primary function of adjectives and adverbs in a narrative text?

• To connect sentences and paragraphs.
• To indicate the sequence of events.
• To introduce new characters.
• To add detail and make descriptions more vivid.

Answer: To add detail and make descriptions more vivid.

Explanation: Adjectives describe nouns (characters, objects), and adverbs describe verbs (actions), both serving to provide rich detail and enhance imagery in a narrative.

20. Which element of a narrative text represents the underlying message or big idea the author wants to convey?

• Plot.
• Conflict.
• Climax.
• Theme.

Answer: Theme.

Explanation: The theme is the central topic, subject, or message within a narrative.

1. List three essential elements that must be present in the ‘Orientation’ section of a narrative text.

Answer: The three essential elements are: Character(s), Setting (place), and Time (when the story occurs).

Explanation: Orientation sets the scene by introducing who, where, and when the story begins.

2. Explain the difference between a ‘Fable’ and a ‘Fairy Tale’.

Answer: A Fable typically features animals or inanimate objects as characters, uses simple language, and always concludes with an explicit moral lesson. A Fairy Tale often involves humans, magical creatures (like fairies, giants), fantastical elements, and usually has a happy ending, though the moral lesson might be implicit rather than explicitly stated.

Explanation: The key distinctions lie in character types, presence of magic, and the explicitness of the moral lesson.

3. Identify two common linguistic features of narrative texts besides the dominant use of past tense verbs.

Answer: Two common linguistic features are: use of time conjunctions (e.g., ‘then’, ‘suddenly’, ‘after that’) to sequence events, and use of specific nouns/pronouns (e.g., ‘the princess’, ‘he’, ‘she’) to refer to characters.

Explanation: These features help to maintain coherence and identify the subjects of the actions in the story.

4. What is the primary function of ‘dialogue’ in a narrative text?

Answer: Dialogue serves to advance the plot, reveal character personalities and relationships, provide background information, and create a more dynamic and engaging story for the reader.

Explanation: Dialogue is crucial for character interaction and driving the story forward beyond mere narration.

5. Briefly describe the relationship between ‘Complication’ and ‘Resolution’ in a narrative text.

Answer: The Complication introduces and develops the main problem or conflict that the characters face. The Resolution, conversely, is the part of the story where this problem or conflict is solved, overcome, or concludes, bringing the narrative to an end.

Explanation: Complication sets up the problem, and Resolution provides the solution or conclusion to that problem.

1. Discuss the importance of a well-developed ‘setting’ in a narrative text. How does it influence the story’s mood, characters, and plot?

Answer: A well-developed setting is crucial in a narrative text as it provides the context for the story’s events. It influences the mood by creating a specific atmosphere (e.g., a dark forest for suspense, a bustling city for excitement). For characters, the setting can shape their personalities, challenges, and opportunities; for instance, a character living in poverty in a specific setting will have different motivations than one in affluence. The setting also directly impacts the plot by dictating possibilities and limitations. A story set in the past will involve different technologies and societal norms than one set in the future. Moreover, the setting can sometimes act as a character itself, with its features driving conflicts or offering solutions, making the narrative more immersive and believable.

Explanation: The answer should cover how setting contributes to mood, character development, and plot progression, providing examples or clear reasoning.

2. Analyze how conflicts are typically presented and resolved in a traditional fairy tale. Provide examples of common conflict types and resolutions.

Answer: In traditional fairy tales, conflicts are usually presented in a straightforward, often black-and-white manner, pitting good against evil, innocence against malice, or weakness against strength. Common conflict types include ‘man vs. man’ (e.g., Cinderella vs. her stepmother), ‘man vs. nature’ (e.g., overcoming a perilous journey through a forest), or ‘man vs. self’ (e.g., a character struggling with fear or greed). The resolution in fairy tales is almost invariably a ‘happily ever after.’ The protagonist overcomes the antagonist or obstacle, often with the help of magic or a benevolent figure. The villain is usually punished, and virtue is rewarded. This clear-cut resolution provides a sense of justice and reinforces moral lessons, leaving the reader with a comforting sense of order restored.

Explanation: The answer should explain the typical nature of conflicts and resolutions in fairy tales, citing examples of common conflict types and how they are usually resolved with a happy ending and moral justice.

3. Explain the role of ‘moral value’ or ‘lesson’ in narrative texts, especially in fables and folktales. Why is it often considered an important component?

Answer: The moral value or lesson in narrative texts, particularly fables and folktales, serves a crucial didactic purpose: to teach readers about right and wrong, good conduct, or fundamental truths about life. It acts as a guide for behavior and a tool for instilling societal values. These lessons are often presented implicitly through the characters’ actions and consequences, or explicitly stated at the end (as in many fables). It’s considered important because it transcends mere entertainment, transforming the story into a vehicle for education and ethical development. For centuries, these stories have been used to educate children and adults alike, transmitting cultural wisdom and reinforcing communal norms, ensuring that the narratives have a lasting impact beyond the plot itself.

Explanation: The answer should detail the educational and ethical function of moral lessons in narratives, especially traditional ones, and explain their importance in conveying wisdom and values.

4. Imagine you are writing a short narrative text for children. Outline the basic plot (Orientation, Complication, Resolution) for a story about a lost toy, including who, what, when, where, and why.

Answer: Orientation: Lily, a curious 6-year-old girl with bright red shoes, was playing in her backyard on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Her favorite teddy bear, Mr. Snuggles, was always by her side. Complication: As she was building a tall fort, she accidentally left Mr. Snuggles near the big oak tree. Later that evening, she couldn’t find him anywhere. Panic set in as she realized he was gone, and she began to cry, searching desperately but finding nothing as night fell. Resolution: The next morning, Lily woke up determined. She retraced her steps from yesterday, carefully looking around the oak tree. To her surprise, a little squirrel had found Mr. Snuggles and built a cozy nest around him! Lily gently retrieved her teddy bear, thanked the squirrel, and promised to keep Mr. Snuggles closer from now on, learning the importance of taking care of her belongings.

Explanation: The answer should clearly demonstrate the three generic structures with appropriate details for characters, setting, time, and plot progression, focusing on a child-friendly theme.

5. How does the use of descriptive language (adjectives and adverbs) enhance a narrative text? Provide specific examples of how descriptive words can impact a story.

Answer: Descriptive language, through the careful use of adjectives and adverbs, significantly enhances a narrative text by creating vivid imagery, setting the mood, and providing deeper insight into characters and settings. Adjectives (words describing nouns) paint a clearer picture, transforming a ‘house’ into a ‘dilapidated, moss-covered cottage’ or a ‘girl’ into a ‘courageous, determined young lady.’ This helps readers visualize the story’s world and characters more precisely. Adverbs (words describing verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs) add nuance to actions and emotions, changing ‘he walked’ to ‘he walked hesitantly’ or ‘he walked proudly,’ revealing character traits or the tension of a moment. By making descriptions more specific and evocative, descriptive language immerses the reader, making the story more engaging, believable, and emotionally impactful. Without it, narratives would be bare, lacking the sensory richness that brings stories to life.

Explanation: The answer should explain how adjectives and adverbs add detail and imagery, impacting visualization, mood, and character depth, supported by clear examples.

1. Match the term related to narrative text with its correct definition.

Answer: The correct matches are provided in the ‘pairs’ section, connecting narrative text terms with their definitions.

Explanation: This exercise tests your understanding of core vocabulary used to discuss narrative texts.

2. Match the generic structure element of a narrative text with its primary function.

Answer: The correct matches are provided in the ‘pairs’ section, linking each generic structure element to its function.

Explanation: This exercise tests knowledge of the standard structural components of a narrative text.