Coursework Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing

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Notas de aula

Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing – Overview

Assignment 2 is a piece of descriptive writing for your coursework portfolio.
It should be between 500 and 800 words in length.
You are assessed on writing skills only.
Marks: 10 marks for content and structure, 15 marks for style and accuracy.
Your aim is to enable the reader to picture what you are describing in their minds.
You are not writing a story, but you can include thoughts and feelings, a sense of place and atmosphere, and changes in perspective and time.

Examples of Descriptive Writing Tasks

You may be asked to describe a busy place, such as a cafe, a market or a train station.
You may be asked to describe an important gathering or celebration.
You may be asked to describe a moment when time stands still.
You may be asked to describe a natural event such as a sunrise or sunset.
Your description should not be static; better responses tend to be based on personal experience.

How to Write to Describe: Observational Writing

Descriptive writing is observational writing: the narrator does not interact with surroundings or other characters.
No characters are crafted; it is like imagining you are behind the lens of a camera, describing a “snapshot” of a moment.
The scene should not be static; note the movements and action you “witness”.
Action or movement should not involve interaction with other characters or settings.
Action should not move the “plot” along; a description must not include any story progression.
Any action should cover only a short period of “real time”, such as the wind blowing a basket over.
Something seemingly inconsequential could move in the background, especially effective when contrasted with things that remain still.

Six-Step Structure for Descriptive Writing

Step 1 Panoramic: broadly describe the scene; introduce the time and atmosphere.
Step 2 Zoom: focus your lens on one segment of the “image”; choose smaller, less obvious details.
Step 3 Single line: emphasise the key feeling of your description in one line.
Step 4 Shift: focus your lens on another segment; if you started in the foreground, move to something in the background.
Step 5 Shift: move your lens to a final segment, or suggest something that is just “off camera”.
Step 6 Panoramic: zoom out again to look at the scene from a new perspective; consider how it has changed in time, atmosphere or mood.

Tone and Mood

Match your tone of voice with the mood of the scene; your sentences should reflect the atmosphere.
For a mysterious and frightening scene, your sentences should reflect a suspenseful mood.
Short sentences reflect tension and unease, e.g. “No sound could be heard.”
Longer sentences and listing can create a sense of being overwhelmed, or of abundance, e.g. “The market was laden with apples, grapes, oranges, loaves of bread, chunks of cheese and every type of vegetable one could imagine.”

Style and Register: Vocabulary and Imagery

The best answers show evidence of careful word choice and the deliberate but judicious use of linguistic techniques.
Use vocabulary that is useful to the reader; describing something as “brilliant” or “amazing” is not descriptive.
Be specific and ambitious in your choice of adjectives.
Use sensory language to bring the scene to life: focus not just on what can be seen, but also what can be heard, smelled or felt.
Emphasise key ideas or impressions using language techniques and imagery; for example, use a simile to create associations about size or colour.
Personification is a useful technique when describing weather or objects.
Describe the important details: you do not need to describe every inch of a person or scene bit by bit; focus on key features.

Using Contrast to Bring a Scene to Life

Sound and silence: noise contributes to the reality of a scene — chatter, background noise, the weather or nearby wildlife all bring the scene to life.
Using moments of silence can also be effective: a momentary lull, or a really purposeful moment of quiet.
Movement and stillness: some things may move — this could be the main focus or something in the background; it could be human, animal or object — use personification.
Powerful verbs and adverbs can create dynamic movement, e.g. “The swarming, struggling crowd.”
Other things will remain still: focus on things that resist being moved, or whose stillness is in contrast with the movement of something.
Avoid clichés such as “still as a statue”.
Light and dark: describe sources of light, and also the way the light hits other things.
Where there’s light, there’s also darkness: consider what shadows are cast or where the light does not reach, and who or what is left in the darkness.

Top Tips for Descriptive Writing

Make use of striking and original images, rather than relying on stereotypical ideas and images.
Ensure that all of the words you choose contribute to the overall atmosphere and effect you want to create.
Do not confuse tenses in a paragraph: if you use a flashback, write it in the past tense; if you use present tense verbs for effect, do this consistently.
Do not use dialogue in a descriptive writing piece; also do not provide background information or develop character interaction.
When describing people, focus on their body language or movements.
Zoom in and out of the image you are creating, as if you are behind a camera.
Include some movement to contrast and add interest.
Use sensory language to create a clear mood, but adjust the focus and perspective as your paragraphs develop.
Descriptive writing should include movement and sound, but the “narrator” should be a silent observer.
Vary your sentence and paragraph lengths to keep the style and tone dynamic.
It is effective to repeat ideas related to colour; consider picking out a key detail, such as the colour of houses’ roofs.
Remember, this is not a story: you do not need to provide a “happy ending”.

Planning Example: “Describe trying to sleep before an important day”

Step 1 Panoramic: introduce motif of clock; dark outside, contrasting with light and stillness; describe what I can hear and feel.
Step 2 Zoom: focus on a fly — add movement and sound.
Step 3 Single line: turn over/re-adjust bedding.
Step 4 Shift: focus on what is going on in my mind; use imagery to convey inner thoughts.
Step 5 Shift: describe what can be heard outside in the street.
Step 6 Panoramic: wake up — must have fallen asleep; describe changes in light and atmosphere; return to motif of clock — late.

Model Answer Commentary and Summary

The first paragraph employs contrast and literary techniques to establish an eerie atmosphere of the middle of the night.
The second paragraph zooms in on detail and incorporates movement.
A single sentence is used for contrast and effect.
The motif of the clock is woven throughout the response.
The focus shifts to something “off camera”, using sensory language.
The final paragraph indicates a shift in time and mood; it contrasts stillness with activity.
Remember, you are not writing a story: think of describing a scene as though from behind the lens of a camera.
Employ sensory language, shifts in perspective, figurative language and contrasts to add interest and detail.
Do not include dialogue; vary your sentence and paragraph lengths; make sure you add movement to your description.

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Questões de prática

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1.In the six-step structure for descriptive writing, which step involves focusing your lens on one segment of the 'image' and choosing smaller, less obvious details?
Easy
- AStep 1 Panoramic
- BStep 2 Zoom
- CStep 3 Single line
- DStep 4 Shift
2.Which of the following best describes the purpose of Step 3, the 'Single line', in the descriptive writing structure?
Medium
- ABroadly describe the scene and introduce the time and atmosphere
- BEmphasise the key feeling of your description in one line
- CFocus your lens on another segment of the 'image'
- DZoom out again to look at the scene from a new perspective
3.Read this sentence: 'The market was laden with apples, grapes, oranges, loaves of bread, chunks of cheese and every type of vegetable one could imagine.' Which effect does the long sentence with listing create?
Medium
- AA sense of tension and unease
- BA sense of being overwhelmed, or of abundance
- CA sense of silence and stillness
- DA sense of mystery and fear
4.In descriptive writing, which of the following should you avoid?
Medium
- ASensory language
- BVaried sentence lengths
- CDialogue
- DMovement in the background
5.In the statement 'The narrator does not interact with their surroundings, or other characters', what word class is 'interact'?
Medium
- ANoun
- BAdjective
- CVerb
- DAdverb
6.Which of these is a simile?
Medium
- AThe wind whispered through the trees.
- BThe crowd was like a restless sea.
- CThe clock ticked loudly.
- DThe room was dark and cold.
7.Which punctuation mark is missing in this sentence? 'No sound could be heard'
Easy
- AQuestion mark
- BExclamation mark
- CFull stop
- DComma
8.In the phrase 'The swarming, struggling crowd', what word class are 'swarming' and 'struggling'?
Medium
- ANouns
- BAdjectives
- CVerbs
- DAdverbs

Mais perguntas

9.Which of the following are recommended for descriptive writing? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AUsing sensory language
- BIncluding dialogue
- CVarying sentence and paragraph lengths
- DDeveloping character interaction
- EIncluding some movement to contrast with stillness
10.Which of the following are true about the narrator in descriptive writing? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe narrator interacts with other characters.
- BThe narrator is a silent observer.
- CThe narrator does not interact with their surroundings.
- DThe narrator develops a plot.
- EThe narrator describes a 'snapshot' of a moment.
11.Descriptive writing should include a happy ending.
Easy
True or false?
12.In descriptive writing, you should avoid clichés such as 'still as a statue'.
Easy
True or false?
13.It is acceptable to use dialogue in descriptive writing as long as it is brief.
Medium
True or false?
14.Put the six steps of the descriptive writing structure in the correct order.
Medium
- Panoramic
- Zoom
- Single line
- Shift
- Shift
- Panoramic
15.Match each descriptive writing technique to its effect or use.
Medium
- Short sentences
- Longer sentences and listing
- Personification
- Sensory language
- Create a sense of being overwhelmed or abundance
- Bring the scene to life by focusing on what can be heard, smelled or felt
- Reflect tension and unease
- Describe weather or objects as if they were alive
16.Which linguistic technique is used in 'The wind whispered through the trees'?
Medium
- ASimile
- BPersonification
- CAlliteration
- DOnomatopoeia
17.What is the effect of 'the leaves danced in the moonlight'?
Medium
- AIt creates a sense of stillness.
- BIt creates a sense of movement and life.
- CIt creates a sense of silence.
- DIt creates a sense of danger.
18.How many marks are available for content and structure in Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing?
Easy
- A10
- B15
- C25
- D30
19.What is the required word count for Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing?
Easy
- A500–800 words
- B350–450 words
- C250–350 words
- D200–250 words
20.Which skill is assessed in Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing?
Easy
- AWriting only
- BReading only
- CBoth reading and writing
- DSpeaking and listening
21.Which of the following are appropriate to include in a piece of descriptive writing for Assignment 2? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AThoughts and feelings
- BA sense of place and atmosphere
- CDialogue between characters
- DChanges in perspective and time
- EA clear story progression with a happy ending
22.Which of the following are examples of descriptive writing tasks you might be asked to complete? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ADescribe a busy cafe
- BDescribe a moment when time stands still
- CDescribe a natural event such as a sunrise
- DDescribe an argument you once had
- EDescribe a market
23.Which of the following are true about the role of the narrator in descriptive writing? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe narrator interacts with their surroundings
- BThe narrator is a silent observer
- CNo characters are crafted
- DThe narrator describes a 'snapshot' of a moment
- EThe narrator provides background information about characters
24.Which of the following should you avoid in descriptive writing? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AUsing dialogue
- BProviding a happy ending
- CUsing sensory language
- DConfusing tenses within a paragraph
- EVarying sentence lengths
25.In descriptive writing, the narrator should be a silent observer.
Easy
True or false?
26.Descriptive writing should include dialogue to bring characters to life.
Easy
True or false?
27.It is effective to repeat ideas related to colour in a descriptive piece.
Easy
True or false?
28.Descriptive writing must include a clear plot with a beginning, middle and end.
Easy
True or false?
29.Match each step of the six-step descriptive writing structure to its description.
Medium
- Step 1: Panoramic
- Step 2: Zoom
- Step 3: Single line
- Step 4: Shift
- Step 5: Shift
- Step 6: Panoramic
- Broadly describe the scene and introduce time and atmosphere
- Focus on one segment and choose smaller, less obvious details
- Emphasise the key feeling in one line
- Move your lens to another segment, e.g. from foreground to background
- Move to a final segment or suggest something 'off camera'
- Zoom out to look at the scene from a new perspective
30.Match each technique to its recommended use in descriptive writing.
Medium
- Simile
- Personification
- Short sentences
- Longer sentences and listing
- Sensory language
- Create associations about size or colour
- Describe weather or objects as if they were alive
- Reflect tension and unease
- Create a sense of being overwhelmed or abundance
- Bring the scene to life by focusing on sound, smell or touch
31.Place the six steps of the descriptive writing structure in the correct order.
Medium
- Panoramic
- Zoom
- Single line
- Shift
- Shift
- Panoramic
32.In the sentence 'The swarming, struggling crowd,' what is the grammatical function of 'swarming' and 'struggling'?
Medium
- AAdjectives
- BAdverbs
- CNouns
- DVerbs
33.Which sentence best demonstrates the use of personification?
Medium
- AThe wind whispered through the trees.
- BThe wind was very strong.
- CThe wind blew like a hurricane.
- DThe wind blew the leaves.
34.Which of the following is an example of a simile?
Medium
- AHer smile was as bright as the sun.
- BHer smile was bright.
- CHer smile dazzled the room.
- DHer smile was a beacon of hope.
35.What punctuation is missing from this sentence? 'No sound could be heard'
Easy
- AFull stop
- BQuestion mark
- CExclamation mark
- DComma
36.Which sentence correctly punctuates the short, tense sentence about silence?
Easy
- ANo sound could be heard.
- BNo sound could be heard
- CNo sound, could be heard.
- DNo sound could be heard?
37.Which sentence uses the most precise and ambitious adjective to describe a market scene?
Medium
- AThe market was brilliant.
- BThe market was amazing.
- CThe market was laden with glistening fruit.
- DThe market was nice.
38.In the sentence 'The wind whispered through the trees,' which technique is being used?
Medium
- ASimile
- BPersonification
- CAlliteration
- DOnomatopoeia
39.Which sentence correctly maintains the present tense throughout?
Medium
- AThe crowd swarms and the wind blew.
- BThe crowd swarms and the wind blows.
- CThe crowd swarmed and the wind blows.
- DThe crowd swarmed and the wind blew.
40.Read this sentence: 'The market was laden with apples, grapes, oranges, loaves of bread, chunks of cheese and every type of vegetable one could imagine.' Which of the following effects does the listing create? (select all that apply)
Hard
- AA sense of abundance
- BA feeling of being overwhelmed
- CA sense of tension and unease
- DA static and lifeless scene
- EA vivid sensory impression
41.In the six-step descriptive writing structure, which step involves zooming out again to look at the scene from a new perspective?
Easy
42.Give the term for the linguistic technique used when describing weather or objects as if they were alive, for example 'The wind whispered'.
Medium
43.Complete the sentence about descriptive writing.
Medium
Descriptive writing is ____ writing, meaning the narrator does not interact with their surroundings or other characters.
44.Complete the sentence about the six-step structure.
Medium
Step 4 is a ____ , where you focus your lens on another segment of the 'image'.
45.Complete the sentence about tone.
Medium
Short sentences reflect ____ and ____ , e.g. 'No sound could be heard.'
46.What word class is 'moonlight'?
Easy
47.What is the name of the linguistic technique where you describe weather or objects as if they were alive?
Medium
48.What word class is 'moonlight' in the phrase 'the moonlight danced on the water'?
Medium
49.What is the name of the linguistic technique where you describe weather or objects as if they were alive, for example 'The wind whispered'?
Medium
50.Complete the sentence about tone in descriptive writing.
Easy
Short sentences reflect ____ and unease, while longer sentences and listing can create a sense of being ____.
51.Explain how the writer uses contrast to bring a scene to life in descriptive writing. Use examples from your own knowledge.
Hard
52.Explain how you would use the six-step structure to plan a description of a busy market. Refer to at least three steps.
Hard

Resumos de revisão

## Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing — Last-Minute Revision **The task:** A piece of descriptive writing, **500–800 words**. Assessed on **writing skills only**. **Marks:** Content and structure (10) + Style and accuracy (15) = **25 marks**. **What the examiner wants:** - Well-defined, developed ideas and images creating a convincing overall picture **with varieties of focus** - Precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures chosen for effect - Language and tone suitable for the context - Spelling, punctuation and grammar almost always accurate **Aim:** enable the reader to picture what you are describing in their minds. You are **not writing a story** — but you may include thoughts and feelings, a sense of place and atmosphere, and changes in perspective and time. ### The six-step structure 1. **Panoramic** — broadly describe the scene; introduce time and atmosphere 2. **Zoom** — focus on one segment; choose smaller, less obvious details 3. **Single line** — emphasise the key feeling in one line 4. **Shift** — focus on another segment (e.g. foreground → background) 5. **Shift** — a final segment, or something just "off camera" 6. **Panoramic** — zoom out to a new perspective. How has it changed? Time? Atmosphere? Mood? ### Key rules - Descriptive writing is **observational**: the narrator does not interact with surroundings or other characters; **no characters are crafted** - Think of yourself **behind the lens of a camera**, describing a "snapshot" of a moment - **No dialogue**; no background information; no character interaction - **No story progression** — action must not move the "plot" along, and should cover only a short period of "real time" - Do **not confuse tenses** in a paragraph (flashbacks in past tense; present tense used consistently) - Vary sentence and paragraph lengths; link paragraphs appropriately ### Tone Match your tone of voice to the mood of the scene: - **Short sentences** reflect tension and unease, e.g. "No sound could be heard." - **Longer sentences and listing** create a sense of being overwhelmed, or of abundance, e.g. "The market was laden with apples, grapes, oranges, loaves of bread, chunks of cheese and every type of vegetable one could imagine." ### Style: bring the scene to life - Avoid vague words like "brilliant" or "amazing"; be specific and ambitious with adjectives - Use **sensory language** — not just what can be seen, but heard, smelled or felt - Use imagery: simile for associations of size or colour; **personification** for weather or objects - Describe only the **important details** — key features, not every inch ### Contrast (rooted in the scene) - **Sound and silence** — chatter, background noise, weather, wildlife; a momentary lull or purposeful quiet - **Movement and stillness** — powerful verbs and adverbs ("The swarming, struggling crowd."); contrast moving things with things that resist movement. Avoid clichés such as "still as a statue" - **Light and dark** — describe sources of light and how light hits other things; consider shadows and who or what is left in darkness ### Top tips - Use striking, original images rather than stereotypical ones - Every word should contribute to the overall atmosphere and effect - When describing people, focus on **body language or movements** - Repeat ideas related to colour — e.g. pick out a key detail such as the colour of houses' roofs - The "narrator" should be a **silent observer** - This is not a story: you do not need a "happy ending" - Better responses tend to be based on **personal experience**

Descriptive writing: Observational writing in which the narrator does not interact with their surroundings or other characters; no characters are crafted. Like imagining you are behind the lens of a camera, describing a "snapshot" of a moment.
Panoramic (Step 1 and Step 6): Step 1: broadly describe the scene and introduce the time and atmosphere. Step 6: zoom out again to look at the scene from a new perspective — how has it changed? Time? Atmosphere? Mood?
Zoom (Step 2): Focus your lens on one segment of the "image" and choose smaller, less obvious details.
Single line (Step 3): Emphasise the key feeling of your description in one line.
Shift (Steps 4 and 5): Step 4: focus your lens on another segment of the "image" — if you started in the foreground, move to something in the background. Step 5: move your lens to a final segment, or suggest something that is just "off camera".
Tone: Your tone of voice should match the mood of the scene, so your sentences reflect the atmosphere. Short sentences reflect tension and unease; longer sentences and listing can create a sense of being overwhelmed, or of abundance.
Sensory language: Language that focuses not just on what can be seen, but also what can be heard, smelled or felt, to bring the scene to life.
Personification: A useful technique when describing weather or objects; also used for movement, which could be human, animal or object.
Sound and silence: Noise contributes to the reality of a scene (chatter, background noise, the weather, nearby wildlife); moments of silence — a momentary lull, or a really purposeful moment of quiet — can also be effective.
Movement and stillness: Some things may move (the main focus or something in the background); powerful verbs and adverbs create dynamic movement, e.g. "The swarming, struggling crowd." Other things remain still, especially in contrast with movement. Avoid clichés such as "still as a statue".
Light and dark: Describe sources of light and the way the light hits other things; where there's light there's also darkness — consider what shadows are cast or where the light does not reach, and who or what is left in the darkness.
Content and structure (10 marks): The writing contains many well-defined and developed ideas and images which create a convincing overall picture with varieties of focus.
Style and accuracy (15 marks): The writing contains precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures chosen for effect; language and tone are suitable for the context; spelling, punctuation and grammar are almost always accurate.

Flashcards

What is the word count for Coursework Assignment 2: Descriptive Writing?

Between 500 and 800 words.

How are the 25 marks for Assignment 2 divided?

10 marks for content and structure, and 15 marks for style and accuracy.

What does the content and structure mark scheme require for top marks?

Many well-defined and developed ideas and images which create a convincing overall picture with varieties of focus.

What does the style and accuracy mark scheme require for top marks?

Precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures chosen for effect; language and tone suitable for the context; and spelling, punctuation and grammar almost always accurate.

What is the overall aim of descriptive writing?

To enable the reader to picture what you are describing in their minds.

Is descriptive writing the same as writing a story?

No. You are not writing a story, though description can include thoughts and feelings, a sense of place and atmosphere, and changes in perspective and time.

What kinds of tasks might you be asked to describe in Assignment 2?

A busy place such as a cafe, market or train station; an important gathering or celebration; a moment when time stands still; or a natural event such as a sunrise or sunset.

Why is it important that your description is not static?

Better responses are not static and tend to be based on personal experience, noting the movements and action you witness.

What does it mean that descriptive writing is observational writing?

The narrator does not interact with their surroundings or other characters, and no characters are crafted.

What is the camera analogy for descriptive writing?

Imagine you are behind the lens of a camera, describing a 'snapshot' of a moment.

Name the six steps of the suggested descriptive writing structure in order.

Panoramic, Zoom, Single line, Shift, Shift, Panoramic.

What happens in Step 1 (Panoramic) of the structure?

Broadly describe the scene and introduce the time and atmosphere.

What happens in Step 2 (Zoom) of the structure?

Focus your lens on one segment of the 'image' and choose smaller, less obvious details.

What happens in Step 3 (Single line) of the structure?

Emphasise the key feeling of your description in one line.

What happens in Steps 4 and 5 (Shift) of the structure?

Move your lens to another segment of the image (e.g. from foreground to background), then to a final segment or something just 'off camera'.

What happens in Step 6 (Panoramic) of the structure?

Zoom out again to look at the scene from a new perspective, considering how time, atmosphere or mood have changed.

What kind of action or movement may you include in a description?

Only action covering a short period of real time, such as the wind blowing a basket over; it must not move the 'plot' along or involve interaction with characters or settings.

Why is contrasting movement with stillness effective?

Something seemingly inconsequential moving in the background is especially effective when contrasted with things that remain still.

How should paragraphs be organised in descriptive writing?

They should be appropriately linked but vary in length and structure, so the reader can picture, hear and even smell the scene.

How should tone relate to the mood of the scene?

Your tone of voice should match the mood, so your sentences reflect the atmosphere, such as a suspenseful mood for a mysterious, frightening scene.

What effect do short sentences create in descriptive writing?

They reflect tension and unease, e.g. 'No sound could be heard.'

What effect do longer sentences and listing create?

A sense of being overwhelmed, or of abundance, e.g. a market laden with apples, grapes, oranges, loaves of bread and vegetables.

What is the best approach to word choice in descriptive writing?

Show careful word choice and deliberate but judicious use of linguistic techniques, conjuring a vivid, sensory impression in the reader's mind.

Why are words like 'brilliant' or 'amazing' weak in descriptive writing?

They are not descriptive; you should be specific and ambitious in your choice of adjectives instead.

How should sensory language be used?

Focus not just on what can be seen, but also on what can be heard, smelled or felt.

Which language techniques are recommended for emphasis and imagery?

Techniques such as simile (to create associations about size or colour) and personification (useful for describing weather or objects).

How much detail should you include about a person or scene?

You do not need to describe every inch bit by bit; focus on key features and important details.

Why is contrast important in bringing a scene to life?

The details that bring a scene to life are normally rooted in contrast, such as sound and silence, movement and stillness, and light and dark.

How can sound and silence be used in a description?

Noise such as chatter, background noise, weather or wildlife contributes to reality, while a momentary lull or purposeful quiet can also be effective.

How can movement and stillness be used in a description?

Some things may move (human, animal or object, using personification and powerful verbs and adverbs), while others remain still in contrast; avoid clichés such as 'still as a statue'.

How should light and dark be handled in a description?

Describe sources of light and the way light hits other things, and consider what shadows are cast, where light does not reach, and who or what is left in darkness.

What does the examiner advise about sensory language and perspective?

Keep using sensory language throughout, but adjust the focus and perspective as your paragraphs develop, and include description of movement and sound to craft a mood.

What is advised about imagery in the top tips?

Use striking and original images rather than stereotypical ideas and images, and ensure every word contributes to the overall atmosphere and effect.

What is the rule about tenses in a descriptive piece?

Do not confuse tenses in a paragraph; write a flashback in the past tense, and if you use present tense verbs for effect, do so consistently.

Why should dialogue be avoided in descriptive writing?

Descriptive writing does not provide background information or develop character interaction, so dialogue is not used.

How should people be described in descriptive writing?

Focus on their body language or movements rather than developing them as characters.

What is the role of the narrator in descriptive writing?

The narrator should be a silent observer.

Why should sentence and paragraph lengths be varied?

Variety keeps the style and tone dynamic.

How can colour be used effectively in a description?

It is effective to repeat ideas related to colour, for example by picking out a key detail such as the colour of houses' roofs.

Does a descriptive piece need a resolution or 'happy ending'?

No. This is not a story, so you do not need to provide a 'happy ending'.

In the model plan for 'Describe trying to sleep before an important day', what is introduced in Step 1?

The motif of a clock, darkness outside contrasting with light and stillness, and what can be heard and felt.

In the model plan, what is the focus of Step 2 (Zoom)?

A fly, adding movement and sound.

In the model plan, what is the focus of Step 3 (Single line)?

Turning over or re-adjusting the bedding.

In the model plan, what is the focus of Step 4 (Shift)?

What is going on in the narrator's mind, using imagery to convey inner thoughts.

In the model plan, what is the focus of Step 5 (Shift)?

What can be heard outside in the street.

In the model plan, what happens in Step 6 (Panoramic)?

Waking up (having fallen asleep), describing changes in light and atmosphere, and returning to the motif of the clock being late.

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