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

Warm-up Questions
Section Eight — Original Writing

These warm-up questions should ease you gently in and make sure you've got the basics straight. If there's anything you've forgotten, check up on the details before you do the exam questions.

Warm-up Questions

1) Your title should be relevant to the plot. Say which of the following points are appropriate to the title "The Haunting at Oakfield Park."

a) David often went to the park to play football.

b) David had blue eyes and fair hair; his best friend was called Ian.

c) As darkness fell, strange shadows seemed to be moving near the bushes.

d) As David stooped to pick up the football, a tall shadow fell across the grass at his feet.

2) An interesting or unusual beginning will grab your reader's interest. Which two of the following openings make you want to read on, and which ones are boring?

Explain why.

a) Ali had lived in Slough all his life. He lived with his parents and four sisters in a terraced house. They lived near the railway station.

b) The neighbours had always thought that there was something strange about Ali. Even as a small boy he had caused heads to turn.

c) Ali had black hair and brown eyes. He wore earphones. He listened to music as he walked along the road. He liked lots of music. There was lots of music he didn't like too.

d) Ali had seen something terrible, and his life would be changed forever.

3) Add your own details to explain what is said about each of the following characters (one or two sentences for each answer will be enough):

a) Rachel burst into tears at least five times during the school day — everyday.

b) Dominic hated children. He was always chasing them away from his large garden, or raising his walking stick menacingly in their direction as he walked along the road.

c) Paul was a bundle of energy; he never walked when he could run; and he spoke so fast that he made you gasp for breath.

d) Charley turned out to be the best cat that we had ever had, in spite of everything.

4) List the five human senses that can be used to make your story more realistic. Write a brief example for each of the five senses as they might be used in a story.

5) a) Write one paragraph of your own, varying the pace by using a combination of long and short sentences.

b) Write one paragraph using short, punchy lines to describe an action scene (a sports scene, or an action scene from a story).

6) Descriptive writing needs good images to bring it alive. Add details and inventive images to make the following sentences come alive:

a) Claire was superb dancer.

b) The black stallion reared up, his muscles rippling under his sleek coat.

c) Alice played basketball well.

7) What should every piece of original writing end with?

8) Why is the very last line of your conclusion vital?