the most important or exciting part of a story

Creating a structurally interesting narrative opening

English

In 'Fiction: Read Around the World', pupils identify and comment on a range of language devices in extracts from texts. In 'Fiction: Science Fiction Writing', pupils identify and comment on recurring images and symbolism in texts.

In 'A World at War: Short Stories', pupils read short stories, analysing how authors structure full texts. In 'Fiction: Read Around the World', pupils analyse structural choices in smaller extracts of texts.

Fiction: read around the world

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

What can be used to set the scene successfully at the beginning of a narrative?

to make the reader feel in awe of the setting

to create a strong contrast between the mundane and the chaotic

to allow intrigue to build as the scene develops

Why might Saramago have chosen to begin his narrative by describing a mundane traffic setting in 'Blindness'?

describe the sensory experiences within a mundane setting

craft a long sentence where each additional clause adds panic

How could you craft a sentence to build tension?

"Each pair of legs was a cog in a machine: quick, determined, relentless, but one pair halted the rhythm: faltering limp, immobile."  Which word here presents a shift?

We are placed in a mundane situation: cars at a traffic light.

Green signal for cars, most drive off but one is left stationary.

The man inside the vehicle grows frantic, people try to help.

Starting with the first, put the parts of Saramago's opening to 'Blindness' in chronological order.

What is unique about the sentence that Saramago uses to reveal the man is blind in the opening of 'Blindness'?

the narrative reaches the peak of tension

Match the different parts of the story with the correct definition.

Which of the below could be described as mundane?

a section of text containing a subject and verb

describing a strange noise but not telling the reader where it is coming from

keeping a consistent tone throughout an extract

The fresh scent of peonies filled the air.

Which of the below uses sensory language?

What type of sentence would slow down the pace of a narrative the most?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz