Instructions
Read each section carefully and complete the tasks to the best of your ability. Think about using exciting vocabulary and correct punctuation to make your writing shine!
Section 1: Super Sentences
1. Add an adjective (a describing word) to each sentence to make it more interesting.
a) The cat sat on the mat.
b) A dragon flew over the castle.
c) The boy found a key.
2. The verb 'said' is boring! Replace 'said' with a more exciting word from the box below in each sentence.
a) "Get out of my room!" he _______________ angrily.
b) "I can't find my teddy bear," she _______________, with tears in her eyes.
c) "The secret password is 'moonlight'," he _______________ so no one else could hear.
Section 2: Plan Your Story
3. Read the beginning of this story. Then, write a few sentences in the boxes to plan what could happen in the middle and at the end.
Beginning: Leo was building the tallest sandcastle on the beach when his shovel hit something hard. He dug around it with his hands and pulled out a small, wooden box with a strange lock.
Middle (What happens next?):
End (How does the story end?):
Section 3: Show, Don't Tell
4. The sentence below is 'telling' us how someone feels. Rewrite it to 'show' the feeling instead. Think about what the character's body would be doing.
Telling: The girl was very excited.
Showing:
Section 4: Write Your Story
5. Choose ONE of the story ideas below and write a short story.
Try to include interesting adjectives and verbs. Remember to use capital letters, full stops, and maybe even some question marks or exclamation marks!
EITHER
A) Write a story that begins with this sentence: The old clock in the hall had been silent for years, but tonight, it began to chime...
OR
B) You stumble upon a hidden door at the back of your school library. Write a story about what you find when you open it.
Check your work:
- Does my story have a beginning, middle, and end?
- Have I used capital letters and full stops?
- Have I used interesting adjectives?
- Have I used powerful verbs?
Answer Key
Please note: For creative writing tasks, many different answers can be correct. This key provides examples and guidance for marking.
Section 1: Super Sentences
1. Add an adjective: Answers will vary. Look for a suitable describing word added to the sentence.
Examples:
a) The fluffy cat sat on the soft mat.
b) A giant, fire-breathing dragon flew over the tall castle.
c) The curious boy found a tiny, golden key.
2. Replace 'said':
a) "Get out of my room!" he shouted angrily.
b) "I can't find my teddy bear," she sobbed, with tears in her eyes.
c) "The secret password is 'moonlight'," he whispered so no one else could hear.
Section 2: Plan Your Story
3. Story Plan: Answers will vary. Look for a logical progression from the story starter.
Example:
Middle (What happens next?): Leo can't open the lock. He takes the box home and tries everything to open it. He asks his grandma about it, and she tells him it's a magic puzzle box that only opens when you tell it a secret. Leo whispers his biggest secret to the box and it clicks open.
End (How does the story end?): Inside the box is a map. The map leads to a hidden cave under the pier. In the cave, Leo finds a treasure chest full of old coins and a pirate's hat. He decides to keep his adventure a secret.
Section 3: Show, Don't Tell
4. Showing emotion: Answers will vary. Look for descriptions of actions or physical feelings rather than just naming the emotion.
Example:
The girl bounced up and down on her toes. A huge grin spread across her face and she couldn't stop clapping her hands together. "Wow!" she squealed.
Section 4: Write Your Story
5. Main Story: Answers will vary. Use the checklist below to assess the student's writing.
- Structure: Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does the story make sense?
- Punctuation and Grammar: Are capital letters used for the start of sentences and for names? Are sentences ended with a full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark?
- Vocabulary: Has the student used a range of adjectives (e.g., 'creaky', 'gleaming', 'dusty') and powerful verbs (e.g., 'crept', 'raced', 'gasped') instead of simple ones?
- Creativity: Is the story imaginative and engaging? Does it address the chosen prompt?