Model Answer: Descriptive Writing

 In Section B of Paper 2, you will be given a choice of four titles: Questions 2 and 3 will focus on descriptive writing, while Questions 4 and 5 will focus on narrative writing. Both options are worth 40 marks, but you only need to choose one (either descriptive or narrative). Descriptive writing might include some storytelling elements, and narrative writing may involve description, but it is important to know the difference and tailor your response to the specific task.

 

Take your time to read all four options carefully before picking the one you feel best showcases your strengths as a writer.

 

Planning Your Descriptive Writing

Once you’ve chosen your descriptive writing task, it is important to spend around 10 minutes planning before you start writing. Planning helps you organise your ideas and ensure your response is well-structured.

 

Model Answer

 The below model answer is based on the following question:

 

Describe a wild place

 

 

 

Summary

• Remember, this is not a story; approach the task as if you are describing a scene from behind a camera lens.
• Spend 10 minutes planning your writing, using the suggested six-step structure.
• Allow five minutes at the end to carefully re-read your work and check for any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
• Use sensory language, changes in perspective, figurative techniques, and contrasts to make your writing engaging and detailed.
• Avoid including dialogue in your description.
• Vary the lengths of your sentences and paragraphs to maintain interest.
• Incorporate movement into your description to bring the scene to life.

 

Narrative Writing: What You Need to Know

In Section B of Paper 2, you will be given four writing titles to choose from. Questions 2 and 3 focus on descriptive writing, while Questions 4 and 5 are for narrative writing. Each question is worth 40 marks, and you only need to answer one. Although descriptive and narrative writing share some features, they are distinct styles. Understanding these differences and tailoring your response is essential. Take the time to read all the options and choose the one that best showcases your skills as a writer.

 Overview

 You will have two narrative writing tasks to choose from (Questions 4 and 5). Your story should be 350-450 words long, which is roughly 2-3 sides of A4. You will have one hour to complete this task. Marks are split into two categories:

• Content and Structure (16 marks): Your plot should be well-defined and developed, with features such as description, characterisation, tension, and convincing details.
• Style and Accuracy (24 marks): Use carefully chosen vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and a tone appropriate for the context. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation should be accurate throughout.

Planning Your Narrative

Remember, the goal is to craft a compelling and believable story. Spend 15 minutes planning before you begin writing. Use the remaining 45 minutes for writing your response, leaving 5 minutes at the end to review and refine your work.

 

Breaking Down the Question

Take time to understand the two narrative titles and decide which one inspires you most. Plan your story, including how it will begin and end, and consider how you can create original and engaging details. Choose vocabulary and sentence structures that add to the mood and flow of your story.

 

Example Titles from Past Exams:

• Write a story that includes the words, ‘… this opportunity was too good to miss …’.
• Write a story with the title, ‘Lost’.
• Write a story that involves solving a problem
• Write a story which includes the words, ‘… this could not be the present …’.

  

Tips for Success 

1. Plan Thoroughly: Ensure your story is well-organised and thoughtfully crafted. Include moments of tension and drama.
2. Create Believable Characters: Use characterisation to bring your characters to life, making them relatable and realistic.
3. Avoid Overused Ideas: Steer clear of clichés, such as haunted houses or generic plots. Be creative and original.
4. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply recounting events, use description, action, and dialogue (sparingly) to convey meaning and emotion.
5. Think About Perspective: Choose a narrative viewpoint (first-person or third-person) that works best for your story.
6. Build Atmosphere: Use carefully chosen words to set the mood and tone of your story. Every word should contribute to the overall effect.
7. Vary Sentence Lengths: Keep your writing dynamic and engaging by using a mix of short and long sentences.
8. Use Dialogue Purposefully: Only include dialogue if it moves the story forward and make sure it is punctuated correctly.
9. Start in the Action: Avoid lengthy introductions or unnecessary build-up. Start at a key moment in your story.