4. Read the events in Task 31 c. And use appropriate time words and phrases from the box above to retell the story.

To make a narrative more interesting to the reader, we should relate the characters’ moods and feelings. We can do this by: using a variety of adjectives and adverbs such as wonderful, fascinating, depressed, etc instead of simplistic ones such as good, nice, bad. using a variety of verbs such as whisper, scream, sigh, exclaim etc.

Task 27.

2. Read the two paragraphs below and compare them, saying which is more interesting to the reader and why.

A. The next morning we decided to go to the beach. It was a bright, warm, sunny day and even though it was early, there already. We found a lovely spot and spread out our towels on the warm, golden sand. The sea looked very inviting. It was a beautiful, clear, turquoise blue and it seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. We spent the whole morning sunbathing and swimming.

B. Julie in the café in the nice fishing village. She was watching people getting off the big cruise ship. Her nice face lit up and she smiled as she saw her nice 80-year-old grandmother walking towards her wearing a nice dress. She hugged Julie, sat down opposite her and gave a small sigh of joy. After the bad time she had had getting there, she felt very lucky to finally be on the island with her nice granddaughter.

3. Use the adjectives in the list below to make paragraph b more interesting to read.

delightful, pleasant, tiny, enormous, horrible, colourful, beautiful, wonderful

An interesting beginning is important in order to catch the reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading. An interesting ending will make them feel satisfied. We can start our story by: using the senses to set the scene and describe the weather, atmosphere, surroundings or people’s actions to create mystery and suspense. e.g. A strong sensation came over me as I walked along the cold, dim corridor. Suddenly, a delicate glow appeared at the end of the corridor and my heart began pounding quickly. We can start or end our story by: using direct speech: e.g. “Watch out! That branch is about to fall!” shouted Greg urgently. asking a rhetorical question (a question that doesn’t expect an answer)” e.g. Have you ever had the feeling that you were being watched? referring to feelings/moods” e.g. Vivian was so nervous that, just as she was about to deliver her speech, she froze and stared blankly at the audience. addressing the reader directly: e.g. I’m sure you would have done the same thing in my place. We can end our story: describing people’s reactions to/feelings about the events developed in the main body: e.g. It had definitely been a horrifying experience and I was lucky to be able in the end.

Task 28. Match the beginnings of the stories to the endings and say which techniques have been used in each one.

Beginnings

1. It was an extremely hot August night and Paul was lying in bed. As he tossed and turned he could hear the strange sounds of the unfamiliar city in the distance. He got up, walked to the window and looked out. “What am I doing here?” he asked himself.

2. Have you ever had one of those days where no matter what you do everything seems to go wrong? Well, I had one of those days at last year.

3. Dark clouds were gathering outside and the wind was howling. As the hotel guests gathered in the lobby, their faces looking extremely worried, Andrew looked at his wife and said, “Don’t worry, darling. Everything will be alright.”

Endings

1. No matter how many times I go over that day in my mind, I am amazed at how the events just fell into place. But I suppose that’s life, isn’t it?

2. Stepping carefully over the broken pieces of glass, Andrew and his wife followed the others out of the hotel. They were all tired, hungry and still in shock, but they were very happy to be alive.

3. As the jeep rolled across the vast desert, Paul looked back at the walled city, now only a small dot on the horizon. With a deep sigh of relief he said, “I’m so glad it’s all over!”

Task 29. Look at the following writing tasks, underline the key words, and for each one, answer the questions that follow. Write your story.

1. Your teacher has asked you to write a story ending with these words: “He was far, far away at last.”

2. A popular teen magazine has asked its readers to submit short stories about travelling and you have decided to send in a story. Your story must begin with these words: “We felt surprised as the train pulled into the empty station.”

3. Your school magazine is holding a short story competition and you have decided to enter. Your story must begin with these words: “I will never forget my first camping holiday.”

1. Do you have to write a first- or a third-person narrative?

2. Who is going to read the story?

3. Where and when will your story take place?

4. Who are the main characters in your story?

5. What are the main events in your story?

6. How can you end your story?

7. Can you think of a catchy title?