Narrative and descriptive writing
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Plan a narrative with an opening, build-up, climax, resolution and ending
- Show a setting through sensory detail, rather than by stating an opinion
- Show a character through actions and dialogue, with correct dialogue punctuation
- Choose a viewpoint, and control pace and tension with sentence length and paragraphs
- Edit a draft for spelling, punctuation and clarity, using a checklist
You should already know
- Narrative writing: beginning, middle and end, and direct speech (Year 6, Chapter 12)
- Word classes and sentence structure (Chapter 7 of this book)
Where this leads
- Writing to argue, persuade and analyse (Chapter 11 of this book)
- Spoken language: presenting, discussing and Standard English (Chapter 12 of this book)
National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 English, Year 7. Content: Write narrative and description for pleasure and for information, planning and drafting with a clear purpose (KS3 writing, W1 and W3), Create settings, characters and atmosphere, and choose viewpoint and tension (KS3 writing, W6), Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for effect, and vary pace (KS3 writing, W4), Edit and proofread for accurate spelling and punctuation, including the punctuation of dialogue (KS3 writing, W5).
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. The order of a text is its structure.
- Think about the order. The order of parts is the structure.order of parts
- Name the word. The word is structure.structure
- Write the answer. structure
Check. structure is the word. ✓
Method. Direct speech is marked with quotation marks.
- Look at the speech. The spoken words sit inside marks.inside marks
- Name the marks. The marks are inverted commas.inverted commas
- Write the answer. inverted commas
Check. inverted commas mark speech. ✓
Method. The teller of the story is the narrator.
- Think about the teller. The narrator tells the story.tells the story
- Name the word. The word is narrator.narrator
- Write the answer. narrator
Check. narrator is the word. ✓
Method. A sentence showing strong feeling ends with an exclamation mark.
- Look at the mark. The mark shows strong feeling.strong feeling
- Name the type. The type is an exclamation.exclamation
- Write the answer. exclamation
Check. exclamation is the type. ✓
Method. Writing that tells a story is narrative.
- Think about the form. A story tells events in order.events in order
- Name the form. The form is narrative.narrative
- Write the answer. narrative
Check. narrative is the form. ✓
Planning a narrative
A narrative plan begins with the purpose (to entertain, to thrill, to make the reader feel) and the audience (who will read it). Then plan the stages of the plot. A plot usually has an opening, a build-up in which something goes wrong, a climax (the most tense moment), a resolution and an ending.
| Stage | What it does |
|---|---|
| Opening | Set the scene and introduce the character, with a hook. |
| Build-up | Show the character's goal, and something going wrong. |
| Climax | The moment of greatest tension or change. |
| Resolution | The result, and what the character now understands. |
| Ending | A final image that leaves the reader thinking. |
Key ideas
- Plan the purpose and the audience before the plot.
- The climax is the most tense or important moment, and should come after the build-up.
- A plan keeps the story in order and stops the writer losing track.
Method. Find the moment of greatest tension.
- Find the tension. Mara is alone, and the torch is failing.alone
- Find the moment. Somewhere behind her, the gate clanged shut.gate clanged shut
- Name the climax. The gate closing is the moment of greatest tension.the gate closing
- Write the answer. when Mara hears the gate clang shut
Check. The gate closing is the climax. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A thriller is written to build suspense and thrill the reader.to thrill the reader fits
- Reject the other choices. Listing facts and persuading a council are different purposes.to list facts and to persuade a council do not fit
- Write the answer. to thrill the reader
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Think about what the reader needs to know first.
- Find the hook. A missing dog makes the reader ask a question.a question
- Choose the opening. Open with the moment the dog is missing.the moment
- Explain. It hooks the reader straight away.hooks the reader
- Write the answer. hook the reader with the dog missing
Check. The opening hooks the reader. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a plan is a route, not the story. Keep the plan short, so that the writing has room to develop.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Plan the five stages in a few words each, then decide the climax before you write the opening.
Exercise 10A Practice: planning a narrative
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The resolution comes after the climax, when the result is shown.resolution fits
- Reject the other choices. The climax comes before the resolution, and the opening and build-up come earlier.climax and build-up and opening do not fit
- Write the answer. resolution
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The climax is the most tense or important moment.climax fits
- Reject the other choices. The opening sets the scene, and the ending gives a final image.opening and ending do not fit
- Write the answer. climax
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. State the purpose and the audience.
- Purpose. The story should entertain.entertain
- Audience. The readers are school pupils.school pupils
- Write the answer. to entertain younger pupils with a mystery that is solved by the end.
Check. The purpose and audience are stated. ✓
Method. Show the problem growing.
- Problem. The key is lost.lost
- Build. Each search makes things worse.makes things worse
- Write the answer. Mara searches the house, and each room makes the problem worse.
Check. The build-up is planned. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It creates a sense of problem and place, which hooks the reader.The shed door had swollen in the rain. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two are flat or old-fashioned for a thriller.It was a nice day for a walk. and Once upon a time, there was a shed. do not fit
- Write the answer. The shed door had swollen in the rain.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find the sentence about the lantern.
- Find the sentence. Her torch flickered across the shelves until it found the lantern.until it found the lantern
- Copy. The words are until it found the lantern.until it found the lantern
- Write the answer. until it found the lantern
Check. The words are copied exactly. ✓
Method. Think about direction.
- Direction. The writer knows where the story goes.knows where
- Setup. The opening can plant clues for the ending.plant clues
- Write the answer. so the story has a clear direction, and the opening sets up what the ending will pay off.
Check. The planning reason is clear. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. An ending is a final image that leaves the reader thinking.ending fits
- Reject the other choices. The opening and the build-up come earlier and set up the story.opening and build-up do not fit
- Write the answer. ending
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find a small problem, then explain.
- Find the detail. The torch flickers across the shelves.flickers
- Explain. Each small problem adds to the tension.adds to the tension
- Write the answer. the torch flickers and the gate is open, so each small problem makes the reader more anxious.
Check. The build-up is explained. ✓
Method. Think about what the plan does for the writer.
- Think about the plan. A plan helps the writer keep the story in order.in order
- Name the purpose. A plan helps the writer organise the story.organise
- Write the answer. organise
Check. A plan organises the story. ✓
Method. Choose the most tense moment.
- Moment. The character is in the middle of the river.middle of the river
- Turn. The bridge collapses, which is the turning point.collapses
- Write the answer. The bridge collapses just as the character reaches the middle, and the torch falls into the water.
Check. The climax is clear. ✓
Method. Think about what the reader needs after the climax.
- Result. The climax changes things.changes things
- Reader. The reader needs to see the outcome.see the outcome
- Write the answer. the resolution shows the result of the climax, so the reader understands what has changed.
Check. The resolution is explained. ✓
Setting, atmosphere and sensory detail
Show, do not tell means that the writer lets the reader feel the setting, rather than stating an opinion about it. A sentence such as The shed was scary tells the reader what to think. A sentence such as Damp sacks and paraffin hung in the cold air lets the reader smell the place and decide for themselves.
Key ideas
- Show: give sensory detail (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste).
- Tell: state the feeling directly, such as scary or happy.
- Atmosphere comes from detail, word choice and rhythm, not from labels.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It gives smell and temperature, so the reader feels the place.Damp sacks and paraffin hung in the cold air. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two state an opinion or a fact without detail.The shed was scary. and The shed was very old. do not fit
- Write the answer. Damp sacks and paraffin hung in the cold air.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Replace the label with detail the reader can sense.
- Find the label. Frightening is an opinion.frightening
- Choose a sense. Hearing a hinge creak is a sound detail.a creak
- Write the sentence. Dust drifted from the rafters, and a loose hinge creaked.creaked
- Write the answer. Dust drifted from the rafters, and a loose hinge creaked.
Check. The sentence shows, rather than tells. ✓
Method. Look for words about smell.
- Find the sense. The air smelled of damp sacks and paraffin.smelled
- Copy the detail. Damp sacks and paraffin are the smell.damp sacks and paraffin
- Explain. The reader can smell the damp and the fuel.the reader can smell
- Write the answer. damp sacks and paraffin
Check. The smell is quoted and explained. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: showing is not piling on adjectives. Choose one precise sensory detail, rather than five vague ones.
Exam tip
Exam tip. When describing a setting, use at least two senses, and avoid words like nice, scary or very that state an opinion.
Exercise 10B Practice: setting and sensory detail
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It shows the cold through a visible detail.Frost crept across the window. fits
- Reject the other choices. Cold and lovely state an opinion or a fact without showing it.The room was cold. and The room was lovely. do not fit
- Write the answer. Frost crept across the window.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Name the danger through a detail.
- Detail. Broken glass glittered.glittered
- Sound. A car alarm wailed.wailed
- Write the answer. Broken glass glittered on the pavement, and a car alarm wailed somewhere close.
Check. The danger is shown. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Smelled and damp sacks are about smell.smell fits
- Reject the other choices. Sight and taste are not used in this phrase.sight and taste do not fit
- Write the answer. smell
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Clanged is a sound that creates atmosphere.The gate clanged shut. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two state a fact or a feeling.The shed was old. and Mara was tired. do not fit
- Write the answer. The gate clanged shut.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find the place word.
- Find the phrase. The top shelf is the place.top shelf
- Copy the word. The word is top.top
- Write the answer. top
Check. top describes the place. ✓
Method. Choose a sound and a smell.
- Sound. The fridge hummed.hummed
- Smell. The smell of cold toast lingered.cold toast
- Write the answer. The fridge hummed softly, and the smell of cold toast lingered in the dark.
Check. Two senses are used. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Cracked is a precise detail that suggests age or danger.the cracked window fits
- Reject the other choices. The window is plain, and nice states an opinion.the window and the nice window do not fit
- Write the answer. the cracked window
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Compare telling and showing.
- Tell. Very old states a fact.states a fact
- Show. A detail lets the reader see the age.see the age
- Write the answer. because it tells the reader a fact, rather than letting them see or feel the age.
Check. The difference is explained. ✓
Method. Find the verb.
- Find the verb. Crept shows slow movement.crept
- Write the word. The word is crept.crept
- Write the answer. crept
Check. crept is the verb. ✓
Method. Pick a place and one detail.
- Setting. A playground.playground
- Detail. The swings creaked.creaked
- Write the answer. The playground was empty, and the swings still creaked in the wind.
Check. The setting is shown with detail. ✓
Method. Think about what a fragile bird suggests.
- Image. A fragile bird is small and easily hurt.small and easily hurt
- Effect. The flame seems precious and easy to lose.precious
- Write the answer. it shows how careful the character must be, so the flame feels precious.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It states a fact without a sense.The shed is 100 years old. fits
- Reject the other choices. Dust hung and the lamp hissed are sensory details.Dust hung in the air. and The lamp hissed. do not fit
- Write the answer. The shed is 100 years old.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Showing character through action and dialogue
A writer can show a character's traits through action (what they do), thoughts (what they think) and dialogue (what they say). In British English, direct speech uses inverted commas (single quotation marks), and the comma or full stop goes inside them: 'Come on,' she whispered.
Key ideas
- Show character through action and speech, not by naming the trait.
- Speech punctuation: the spoken words sit inside inverted commas, with a comma, question mark or full stop inside.
- A new speaker needs a new line.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It shows bravery through action that the reader can see.Mara lifted the torch and stepped into the dark. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two name the trait, rather than showing it.Mara was brave. and Mara was very, very brave. do not fit
- Write the answer. Mara lifted the torch and stepped into the dark.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find the spoken words, then add the marks and the comma.
- Find the speech. Come on is spoken.Come on
- Add the marks. The spoken words sit inside inverted commas.inverted commas
- Add the comma. A comma goes inside the closing mark before she whispered.comma inside
- Write the answer. 'Come on,' she whispered.
Check. The speech is punctuated correctly. ✓
Method. Look at what she does, then infer.
- Find the action. Her fingertips brushed the handle, then slipped.brushed
- Infer the trait. She reaches, but does not manage it at once.does not manage
- Explain. So she shows determination, with a nervous slip.determined and nervous
- Write the answer. that she is determined but nervous
Check. The action shows the trait. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a new speaker starts a new line. Do not run two speakers together in one paragraph.
Exam tip
Exam tip. When you show character, use a specific action or line of speech, and say what it reveals about the character.
Exercise 10C Practice: character and dialogue
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The comma goes inside the closing inverted comma, before the speech tag.'Come on,' she whispered. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place."Come on" she whispered. and 'Come on.' she whispered. and Come on, she whispered. do not fit
- Write the answer. 'Come on,' she whispered.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The question mark goes inside the closing mark, and no comma follows it.'Where are you?' asked Mara. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.'Where are you'? asked Mara. and 'Where are you?, asked Mara. and Where are you? asked Mara. do not fit
- Write the answer. 'Where are you?' asked Mara.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Choose an action that takes courage.
- Action. She pushes the gate open.pushes the gate
- Effect. The reader sees her courage.sees her courage
- Write the answer. Mara pushed the gate open and stepped into the dark garden.
Check. The trait is shown through action. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Whispered matches a quiet line, such as Come on.whispered fits
- Reject the other choices. Said loudly and shouted do not fit a quiet line.said loudly and shouted do not fit
- Write the answer. whispered
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find the words after the speech.
- Find the words. After the speech comes she whispered.she whispered
- Copy. The tag is she whispered.she whispered
- Write the answer. she whispered
Check. she whispered is the tag. ✓
Method. Write the speech, then the tag.
- Speech. Is someone there?Is someone there?
- Tag. Mara whispered, her voice shaking.her voice shaking
- Write the answer. 'Is someone there?' Mara whispered, her voice shaking.
Check. The speech is punctuated and shows fear. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A new speaker starts a new line, so the reader can follow who is speaking.a new line for each speaker fits
- Reject the other choices. Putting both speakers on one line confuses the reader, and brackets are not used for speakers.both speakers on one line and the second speaker in brackets do not fit
- Write the answer. a new line for each speaker
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Wondered shows her thought, which the reader hears.She wondered if the door would open. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two report actions without the thought.The door opened. and She opened the door. do not fit
- Write the answer. She wondered if the door would open.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Think about why someone says I am not.
- Line. I'm not scared.not scared
- Suggestion. The line sounds forced, so she is hiding fear.hiding fear
- Write the answer. it suggests she is scared and trying to hide it, because the denial sounds forced.
Check. The subtext is explained. ✓
Method. Find the speech tag.
- Find the tag. She whispered after the speech.whispered
- Copy the word. The word is whispered.whispered
- Write the answer. whispered
Check. whispered is quiet. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The question mark is inside the inverted commas, and no comma follows it.'Who is there?' she asked. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.'Who is there,' she asked? and 'Who is there?,' she asked. and Who is there? she asked. do not fit
- Write the answer. 'Who is there?' she asked.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Speech, then tag.
- Speech. I broke the lamp.I broke the lamp
- Tag. Tom admitted, looking at the floor.admitted
- Write the answer. 'I broke the lamp,' Tom admitted, looking at the floor.
Check. The speech and tag are correct. ✓
Method. Think about the reader's role.
- Infer. The reader works out the trait.works out
- Effect. It feels more believable.more believable
- Write the answer. because the reader infers the trait from the action, which makes it feel more real.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
Viewpoint, pace and tension
The viewpoint is the position the reader sees from. A first-person narrator uses I, and is inside the action. A third-person narrator uses he, she or they, and can see more. Pace is the speed of the story. Short sentences and short paragraphs quicken the pace; long, descriptive sentences slow it.
Key ideas
- First person: I, from inside the story; the reader knows only what the narrator knows.
- Third person: he, she or they; the narrator can show more than one character.
- Short sentences and new paragraphs quicken the pace.
Method. Find the pronouns, then say what they allow.
- Find the pronouns. The text uses she, her and Mara.she, her
- Name the viewpoint. It is third person.third person
- Explain the effect. The reader sees her fear, while the narrator reports her actions.sees her fear
- Write the answer. third person, which lets the reader see Mara's actions and fear
Check. The viewpoint suits the tension. ✓
Method. Compare the length of each sentence.
- Compare the length. The gate clanged shut has four words.four words
- Compare the other. A long descriptive sentence has many clauses and slows the reader.slows the reader
- Explain. Short sentences quicken the pace, as the gate closes at once.quicken the pace
- Write the answer. The gate clanged shut.
Check. The short sentence quickens the pace. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A short ending with a question leaves the reader wanting to read on.End on a short, sudden sentence that raises a question fits
- Reject the other choices. A long list slows the pace, and a summary removes the tension.End with a long list of colours and End with a summary of the story do not fit
- Write the answer. End on a short, sudden sentence that raises a question
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a first-person narrator cannot know what other characters think. Do not write thoughts you could not know.
Exam tip
Exam tip. To raise tension, shorten sentences, cut detail at the key moment, and end a paragraph on a question or a sudden line.
Exercise 10D Practice: viewpoint, pace and tension
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. I means the narrator is inside the action.first person fits
- Reject the other choices. Third person would use he, she or they.third person do not fit
- Write the answer. first person
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. She refers to Mara, outside the narrator.she fits
- Reject the other choices. I is first person, and we is first person plural.I and we do not fit
- Write the answer. she
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It is short, so the reader reads it quickly.The gate clanged shut. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two are long and slow the reader down.The gate, which was old and rusted, clanged shut in the wind. and After many long hours of waiting, the gate eventually clanged shut. do not fit
- Write the answer. The gate clanged shut.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Add detail and clauses.
- Add detail. The hinges groaned.groan
- Slow. The longer sentence slows the reader.slows the reader
- Write the answer. Slowly, with a long groan of old hinges, the door opened onto the dark hall.
Check. The pace is slowed. ✓
Method. Compare the endings.
- Sudden. Then the light went out is sudden.sudden
- Effect. It leaves the reader wondering.wondering
- Write the answer. Then the light went out, because it is sudden and leaves the reader wondering what happens next.
Check. The tension is explained. ✓
Method. Think about what the narrator can see.
- Wider view. A third-person narrator can see more.see more
- Other characters. The narrator can show other characters.other characters
- Write the answer. to show more than one character, or to see the story from outside, with a wider view.
Check. The reason is explained. ✓
Method. Look for the past form of a verb.
- Look for the past. Had is a past tense verb form.Had
- Copy. The word is had.had
- Write the answer. had
Check. had is past. ✓
Method. Build the tension, then cut.
- Build. The stairs creaked behind her.creaked
- Cut. Someone was coming up.coming up
- Write the answer. The stairs creaked behind her. Someone was coming up.
Check. The suspense is built. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A long list of descriptive details makes the reader slow down.a long list of descriptive details fits
- Reject the other choices. Short dialogue and questions usually quicken the pace.a single short line of dialogue and a question at the end do not fit
- Write the answer. a long list of descriptive details
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Think about the layout.
- Isolate. The paragraph stands apart on the page.stands apart
- Emphasis. The reader notices the event.notices
- Write the answer. the new paragraph isolates the event, so the reader notices it and feels its impact.
Check. The effect is explained. ✓
Method. Think about the limits of first person.
- Limit. First person knows only the narrator's view.narrator's view
- Result. Other thoughts are hidden.hidden
- Write the answer. the reader does not know; they learn only what the narrator sees, hears or is told.
Check. The limit of first person is explained. ✓
Method. Read the last paragraph.
- Read the last paragraph. Paragraph 3 ends with She was sure she had left it open.left it open
- Write the number. The last paragraph is 3.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. The final paragraph ends on a sudden line. ✓
Editing and proofreading a narrative
Editing means changing the content and clarity of a draft. Proofreading means checking the spelling, punctuation and grammar. A checklist helps: check the viewpoint, the tense, the speech marks, the paragraphs and each apostrophe. Read the piece aloud, because the ear often catches what the eye misses.
Key ideas
- Edit for purpose, viewpoint, pace and clarity.
- Proofread for spelling, speech punctuation, apostrophes and full stops.
- Use a checklist; do not rely on memory.
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A possessive singular noun takes apostrophe s.the lantern's handle fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two have no apostrophe, or two apostrophes.the lanterns handle and the lantern's' handle do not fit
- Write the answer. the lantern's handle
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Check the spelling of the word, then correct it.
- Find the word. Definately is misspelled.definately
- Check the spelling. The correct spelling is definitely.definitely
- Write the sentence. It was definitely locked.definitely locked
- Write the answer. It was definitely locked.
Check. The spelling is corrected. ✓
Method. Find the spoken words, and mark each speaker.
- Find the speech. Come on, and She is here are spoken.Come on
- Add marks. Each spoken part sits in inverted commas.inverted commas
- Check the tag. The tag said Mara follows the first speech.Mara
- Write the answer. 'Come on,' said Mara. 'She is here.'
Check. The speech is punctuated. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: "its" has no apostrophe when it is possessive (the shed lost its roof), but "it's" means "it is". Check the meaning.
Exam tip
Exam tip. In a proofreading question, mark the error, correct it, and say which rule it breaks.
Exercise 10E Practice: editing and proofreading
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Its without an apostrophe is possessive, so it belongs to the shed.The shed lost its roof in the storm. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.The shed lost it's roof in the storm. and The shed lost its' roof in the storm. and The shed lost is roof in the storm. do not fit
- Write the answer. The shed lost its roof in the storm.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It's means it is, so the apostrophe is needed.It's getting dark outside. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.Its getting dark outside. and It's not dark outside its. and Its' getting dark outside. do not fit
- Write the answer. It's getting dark outside.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Definitely is the correct spelling, with -ite.definitely fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.definately and definatly and definitly do not fit
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Separate has a -ar- in the middle, and is spelled with a single p.separate fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.seperate and separete and sepperate do not fit
- Write the answer. separate
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find the two main clauses.
- Find the clauses. The door was open and its hinges broke are two main clauses.two main clauses
- Join them. A semi-colon joins two main clauses that are closely linked.semi-colon
- Write the answer. The door was open; its hinges broke.
Check. The clauses are joined correctly. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. A singular possessive takes apostrophe s, so the apostrophe is before the s.the teacher's desk fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.the teachers desk and the teachers' desk for one teacher and the teacher's' desk do not fit
- Write the answer. the teacher's desk
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Find the two main clauses, then join them correctly.
- Find the clauses. Mara heard a noise, and it was the gate.two main clauses
- Join. A semi-colon joins them without a comma splice.semi-colon
- Write the answer. Mara heard a noise; it was the gate.
Check. The comma splice is fixed. ✓
Method. Name the check, then the reason.
- Check. Each new speaker has a new line.new line
- Reason. The reader follows who speaks.follows who speaks
- Write the answer. check that each new speaker starts a new line, because it helps the reader follow who is speaking.
Check. The check is named with a reason. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Then shows the next step in time.then fits
- Reject the other choices. Although and however show contrast, not order in time.although and however do not fit
- Write the answer. then
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Decide whether the room belongs to one teacher or to several.
- Decide the owner. The room belongs to several teachers, so it is a plural possessive.several teachers
- Place the apostrophe. The apostrophe goes after the s of teachers.teachers' room
- Write the answer. the teachers' room
Check. The apostrophe follows the plural s. ✓
Method. Think about what the ear hears.
- Missing words. The ear notices a missing word.missing word
- Rhythm. The ear hears awkward rhythm.awkward rhythm
- Write the answer. it helps the writer hear missing words, awkward rhythm and mistakes that the eye skips.
Check. The reason is explained. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The comma joins the two parts, and the full stop ends the sentence.The gate clanged shut, and Mara froze. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.The gate clanged shut and Mara froze,. and The gate clanged shut, and Mara froze and The gate clanged shut. and Mara froze. do not fit
- Write the answer. The gate clanged shut, and Mara froze.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Choose a sentence, then say what the change makes clearer.
- Sentence. Her torch flickered across the shelves.flickered
- Change. The order of events is made clear.order of events
- Write the answer. Her torch flickered across the shelves until it found the lantern; the change makes the order of events clear.
Check. The change is explained. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Plan | Purpose, audience, then five stages: opening, build-up, climax, resolution, ending. |
| Setting | Show through sensory detail; avoid opinions such as scary or lovely. |
| Character | Show through action, thought and dialogue; punctuate speech with inverted commas. |
| Viewpoint | First person (I) is inside the action; third person (he, she, they) can show more. |
| Pace and tension | Short sentences and paragraphs quicken the pace; end on a sudden line or question. |
| Editing | Check the viewpoint, tense, speech marks, paragraphs and apostrophes with a checklist. |
Can you…?
- I can plan a narrative with a purpose, an audience and five stages
- I can show a setting through sensory detail, rather than stating an opinion
- I can show a character through action and dialogue, with correct speech punctuation
- I can choose a viewpoint, and control pace and tension
- I can edit and proofread my writing, using a checklist
Key terms
- climax
- the most tense or important moment of a story
- resolution
- the stage when the result of the climax is shown
- show, do not tell
- letting the reader see or feel something, rather than stating it
- sensory detail
- a detail that appeals to the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch or taste
- first person
- a viewpoint using I, from inside the story
- third person
- a viewpoint using he, she or they
- pace
- the speed at which a story moves
- editing
- changing the content and clarity of a draft
Exercise 10Z Check-up
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The climax is the most tense moment.climax fits
- Reject the other choices. The opening and ending are not the most tense moments.opening and ending do not fit
- Write the answer. climax
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It gives smell and temperature.Damp sacks and paraffin hung in the cold air. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other two state an opinion.The shed was scary. and The shed was lovely. do not fit
- Write the answer. Damp sacks and paraffin hung in the cold air.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The comma goes inside the closing inverted comma.'Come on,' she whispered. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place."Come on" she whispered. and 'Come on.' she whispered. and Come on, she whispered. do not fit
- Write the answer. 'Come on,' she whispered.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. She refers to Mara from outside.she fits
- Reject the other choices. I is first person; we is first person plural.I and we do not fit
- Write the answer. she
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It is short.The gate clanged shut. fits
- Reject the other choices. The others are long and slow.The gate, which was old, clanged shut in the wind. and After many hours, the gate clanged shut. do not fit
- Write the answer. The gate clanged shut.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Choose an action that takes courage.
- Action. She pushes the gate open.pushes the gate
- Effect. The reader sees her courage.sees her courage
- Write the answer. Mara pushed the gate open and stepped into the dark garden.
Check. The trait is shown. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Definitely is the correct spelling.definitely fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.definately and definatly and definitly do not fit
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Test each choice against the sentence or the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Its without an apostrophe is possessive.The shed lost its roof in the storm. fits
- Reject the other choices. The other versions have a missing comma, a missing mark, or a mark in the wrong place.The shed lost it's roof in the storm. and The shed lost its' roof. and The shed lost is roof. do not fit
- Write the answer. The shed lost its roof in the storm.
Check. The choice fits the sentence or the text. ✓
Method. Think about the narrator.
- Narrator. The narrator sees and hears only some things.some things
- Reader. The reader knows only that.only that
- Write the answer. the reader sees only what the narrator sees, hears or is told.
Check. The limit is explained. ✓
Method. Join the clauses correctly.
- Clauses. Two main clauses.two main clauses
- Join. A semi-colon joins them.semi-colon
- Write the answer. Mara heard a noise; it was the gate.
Check. The comma splice is fixed. ✓
Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.
Exercise 10X Practice test questions
Method. Think about the most tense moment.
- Think about tension. The most tense moment is the peak of the plot.peak of the plot
- Name the stage. The stage is the climax.climax
- Write the answer. climax
Check. The climax is the peak. ✓
Method. Find the sentence with sensory detail.
- Look at each. The first states an opinion; the second gives smell and cold.smell and cold
- Choose. The second shows the place.shows the place
- Write the answer. Damp sacks and paraffin hung in the cold air.
Check. The detail shows the place. ✓
Method. Mark the spoken words and add the comma.
- Find the speech. Come on is spoken.Come on
- Add the marks and comma. The speech sits in inverted commas, with the comma inside.comma inside
- Write the answer. 'Come on,' she whispered.
Check. The speech is punctuated. ✓
Method. Find the pronoun that refers to the narrator.
- Find the pronoun. I refers to the narrator.I
- Name the viewpoint. I is the first person.first person
- Write the answer. I
Check. I is first person. ✓
Method. Replace the label with a detail the reader can sense.
- Find the label. Frightening is an opinion.frightening
- Choose a sense. A creak is a sound.creak
- Write the answer. Dust drifted from the rafters, and a loose hinge creaked.
Check. The sentence shows. ✓
Method. Check the spelling of the word.
- Find the word. Definately is misspelled.definately
- Write the correct spelling. The correct spelling is definitely.definitely
- Write the answer. It was definitely locked.
Check. The spelling is corrected. ✓
Method. Name the technique, then its effect.
- Name the technique. A short sentence.short sentence
- Explain the effect. It quickens the pace.quickens the pace
- Write the answer. The short sentence "The gate clanged shut." quickens the pace and builds tension.
Check. The technique and effect are given. ✓
Method. Show the feeling through a physical action.
- Choose an action. Hands shaking shows nerves.hands shook
- Add speech if needed. The speech is in inverted commas.inverted commas
- Write the answer. Her hands shook as she tried the handle, and she whispered, 'Is anyone there?'
Check. The nerves are shown through action. ✓
Method. Find the two main clauses, and join them correctly.
- Find the clauses. Mara heard a noise and it was the gate.two main clauses
- Join them. A semi-colon joins them without a comma splice.semi-colon
- Write the answer. Mara heard a noise; it was the gate.
Check. The comma splice is fixed. ✓