What is a Recount?

A writer or speaker uses a recount to tell us about a story or an event. The details in a

recount can include what happened, who was involved, where it took place, when it

happened and why it occurred.Recounts are usually given in the order that the event

occurred. Recounts can be:

     – factual, such as a news story

     – procedural, such as telling someone how you built something

     – personal, such as a family holiday or your opinion on a subject.

Recounts can be either written or spoken. Examples of recounts include:

• biographies and autobiographies

• newspapers or the television news 

• letters and postcards

• textbooks

• conversations with friends

A well-structured recount includes details of the event or topic and personal opinions.

      Written recounts often start with a heading or title. Letters and journal entries do not

      usually have a title. Oral recounts might have a title if you are giving a presentation. If

      you are just talking with friends a title is not usually needed.

      The introductory paragraph, or orientation, of a written recount introduces the topic

      or event. This paragraph introduces who, what, where, when, why and possibly how.

      The following body paragraphs will recount the sequence of events.  This is where

      the recount is told in chronological order (the order that the events happened).

      The conclusion, or re-orientation, is where the writer or speaker can give personal

      opinions about the topic or event. The writer or speaker may also comment on how

      this event or topic may affect other things in the future. 

Generic Structure of Recount

1. Orientation: Introducing the participants, place and time

2. Events: Describing series of event that happened in the past

3. Reorientation: It is optional. Stating personal comment of the writer to the story

Language Feature of Recount

Introducing personal participant; I, my group, etc

Using chronological connection; then, first, etc

Using linking verb; was, were, saw, heard, etc

Using action verb; look, go, change, etc

Using simple past tense

Here's an example:

Our Trip to the Blue Mountain
Orientation	On Friday we went to the Blue Mountains. We stayed at David and Della’s house. It has a big garden with lots of colourful flowers and a tennis court.
Events	On Saturday we saw the Three Sisters and went on the scenic railway. It was scary. Then, Mummy and I went shopping with Della. We went to some antique shops and I tried on some old hats. On Sunday we went on the Scenic Skyway and it rocked. We saw cockatoos having a shower.
Reorientation	In the afternoon we went home.

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