This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Go Into Detail
Section Eight — Original Writing

Make the Important Parts Really Stand Out

You have to make sure your reader really understands which bits are important.

It's not enough to write long lists of facts and events — that's boring. You need to add details and vary your style. Instead of just saying that a character is grumpy, explain why they're like that and what reaction other people have to them, like this:

Always Say Where it Happened

English examiners love detail — it brings characters to life and makes things more interesting.

1) You have to make sure you're really specific — so the reader always knows exactly where the action is taking place. Then they can create a picture of what's happening, in their heads.

2) Make sure you keep it up the whole way through. This means more than just saying what town the story happened in. What was the house and the room like? Be as clear as possible — down to the last detail.

Give your readers structure — or they might lose the plot

The examiner will notice if your story doesn't make sense or has irrelevant bits, and you'll lose marks. Emphasise important events by going into detail and using different styles.

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Think About Each of the Senses When You Write

Clearly you can't use every single one all the time — that would get boring and be far too silly. But think about each of the senses as you write and use them to make your story sensational:

Think About the Characters’ Thoughts and Feelings

The examiner will be impressed if you get inside the characters' heads.

— What are they thinking about?

— What motivates them?

— How do they feel about the things that happen to them?

A good way of showing this is to write a section that is an interior monologue — this means writing down the thoughts the characters are having, just as if they were speaking them out loud.

This is a simple but effective trick. It puts the reader into the character's shoes — so they feel closer to them, as though they can understand their feelings.

Bring your feelings into it — you know it makes sense

Using some of the different senses is a BRILLIANT way of making your story come alive. It's quick and easy to do, and will make your writing more evocative so you can pick up extra marks.