HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT STORYLINE

When it comes to crafting a high-scoring imaginative composition for the KCSE English Paper 3, the storyline you choose can make all the difference. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a sprawling plot or a dramatic rescue in a faraway kingdom to impress the examiner. In fact, simplicity often wins.

Why Less is More.

One of the most effective techniques in imaginative writing is to centre your narrative around a single, powerful moment—what I call a “one-moment story.” This is an event that unfolds over a short period (ideally under an hour), such as a tense decision, a sudden realisation, or an emotionally charged encounter.

Why does this approach work so well:

- It allows for deeper emotional exploration and character development.

- It eliminates unnecessary subplots that dilute focus.

- It forces you to be concise and intentional with every word.

Avoiding the Clichés

Every examiner has seen it: a mystical forest, a lost heir to the throne, or a talking animal. While these settings may seem imaginative, they are sadly overdone—and often feel disconnected from modern student experiences.

To keep your writing fresh:

- Avoid predictable settings like castles, enchanted jungles, or distant kingdoms.

- Steer clear of themes that echo fairy tales or oral folklore.

- Choose relatable settings—such as a busy matatu ride, a school dormitory, or a hospital corridor—that feel authentic and current.

Striking the Right Balance

Should you write what you know—or venture into imaginative realms beyond your own experience? The answer lies in balance.

- Write What You Know: Drawing from personal experience adds sincerity and emotional truth. If you’ve faced loss, triumph, or change, use it. Your voice will sound real—because it is.

- Be Creatively Ambitious: Don’t shy away from taking risks. Fiction allows you to imagine what you haven’t lived. Just be sure your imagined world is believable and emotionally grounded. The examiner should relate to your characters, even if the plot is made up.

Stick to the Prompt

Whether you're starting with a specific line or unpacking a given proverb, relevance is key.

- Stay on track: Make sure every paragraph serves the prompt you’ve chosen. If the question asks for a story beginning with “I had never seen such a crowd...”, don’t end up narrating a camping trip in Maasai Mara.

- Use the opening line as an anchor: Let it guide your tone, setting, and direction from the start.

In the end, great creative writing is not about sounding clever—it’s about sounding real. Choose a storyline that fits your voice, your strengths, and your generation. Be bold enough to keep it simple, brave enough to go deep, and wise enough to stay relevant.

That’s how you don’t just pass Paper 3—you own it.

In our next article, we will deal with: Understanding the Exam Rubric.