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\\'ritin€ reference (Paper 2)
Set book
About the exam: ln Question 5, you
answer one of two questions based on
your reading of one of the set books. You
may be asked to write an essay, an article,
a report or a letter.
You do not have to answer Question 5. lf
you do, make sure that you know the
book well enough to be able to answer
the question properly. Here is a suggested
procedure for writing about the set text.
1 Read the book all the way through, to
get a general idea of the story and the
characters - and to enjoy it!
2 Read the book again, this time more
carefully. Make notes under the
following headings.
Plot: include the main events and the order
they come in the story.
Characters: include information about what
they are like and how important they are in
the story.
Relationships: include information about
who likes/dislikes who, and the things that
affect thei r relationsh ips.
Places: include quick descriptions of the most
important places.
Your own reactions: write down your
feelings about the book, with some reasons
for your opinion.
3 Make a list of the kind of questions you
might be asked to write about, and
discuss them with other students. Here
are some ideas:
r What makes the book interesting/
exciting Describe an exciting or memorable
moment in the book.
. Choose the most interesting character.
Describe him/her. ls this your favourite
character
. ls the title a good one for the book Why
. Does the book have a good ending Explain
why/why not.
. Do you think the book would make a good
film Explain your reasons.
. Would you recommend the book to a
friend Say why/why not.
Task
(a) An international student magazine is running a series of
articles on interesting characters in fiction, and has asked readers
to send in their suggestions. Write an article on the character
you found most interesting in the book you have read, saying
who the character is and why you think they are so interesting.
(b) Your friend is going on holiday and wants to take a book to
read on the journey. Write a letter to your friend, recommending
the book you have read and giving reasons why you think they
will enjoy it.
Model answer (article)
A lady with no name
It seems strange to experience a story through the eyes
of a nameless person - but this is the case in 'Rebecca',
by Daphne du Maurier. Rebecca is the name of the first
wife of Maxim de Winter. She dies before the story
begins, and the novel is narrated by Maxim's second wife,
whose name we never learn, but who is to me the most
interesting character in the book. As we read, we learn of
her feelings for Maxim, and of what she discovers about
his past life and the wife she has replaced.
So why do I think the narrator is such an interesting
character Although she is nameless, she has a strong
personality. She is emotronal and her
feelings are vividly described, so that you feelsorry
for her. She has not had an easy life, and you want
her to be happy, in spite of the strange things that
happen after her marrrage.
All in all, her lack of an identity makes her all the more
memorable - and perhaps that is why I find her so
fascinating.
DO focus on
what you
have been
asked to do.
DON'T just
tell the story
of the book.
DO make links
between
paragraphs clear.
DO describe a
characteristic and
then say why you
like it so much.
Useful language
. The book is really exciting because (it starts with a murder).
o The best moment is when (the murderer is revealed).
c The book tells the story of (a family who have been separated).
. The first thing that happens is (Sarah leaves home).
. The main charader, (Marian, is a teenager who ...)
. The most interesting character is (Joe, the young man who lives ...)
. The title is really good, because (it is mysterious and it makes you want to
find out what it really means).
. The story takes place in (the South of France).
. Events revolve around (a robbery).
. The ending is very exciting because (it is completely unexpected).
. lt would make (a really good film), because (it is such an exciting story).
o The best thing about the book is that (the characters are so interesting).
o I would recommend this book because (it is easy to read).
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