10 STEPS FOR IMPROVING DESCRIPTIVE WRITING FOR PAPER 1 QUESTION 5
1. Write 4 short, abrupt simple
sentences to describe the image.
5. Write 4 sentences using advanced punctuation
to describe the image.
7. Write 5 sentences describing the image
that begin with each of the following:
You can start sentences with:
Determiners (The, A)
Pronouns (I, He, They, His, You)
Abstract nouns (Fear, Truth, Beauty)
Adjectives (Calm, Bright, Dark, Peaceful)
Semi colon to join two independent clauses.
Colon to start a list or to emphasise a single word
Brackets for extra information in the middle of a
sentence.
Dash to tag an extra idea to the end of a sentence.
a) ADVERB e.g. Gently, Slowly, Calmly
b) VERB e.g. Rowing, Flying, Looking
c) PREPOSITION e.g. In, Ahead, Below, On
d) ABSTRACT NOUN e.g. Fear, Danger
e) ADJECTIVE e.g. Darkness, Strong, Brave
8. Make a list of sounds suggested by the
image e.g. splash
2. Write 3 compound sentences to
describe the image.
HINT: FANBOYS.
(For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)
Then write 3 sentences in which you
describe the sounds in the image.
9. Use figurative language to describe the
juxtaposition of light and dark in the
image.
3. Write 3 complex sentences
describing the image. Use the
following subordinating
conjunctions to help you form your
subordinate clauses:
If, When, While, As, Although, After,
Since, Unless, Until, Because,
Where, Before, Once, Even though
4. Find synonyms for the following
adjectives which link to the image.
Dark, Scary, Evil
Then write 3 sentences using the
synonyms to describe the image.
1 x simile
1 x metaphor
1 x hyperbole (exaggeration)
6. Write 4 sentences describing the setting using
this colour thesaurus:
RED: rose, ruby, scarlet, crimson, mahogany, imperial, carmine
BLUE: navy, sapphire, azure, Egyptian, denim, cyan, cerulean
GREEN: jade, forest, mint, emerald, lime, olive, pine, moss,
YELLOW: cyber, golden buttercup, lemon, Tuscany, mellow, corn
ORANGE: tiger, amber, honey, apricot, ochre, tangerine, pumpkin
PURPLE: violet, magenta, amethyst, plum, grape, electric, mauve
10. Write a paragraph describing the
image which uses pathetic fallacy to assign
human actions and feelings to nature.