Writing the opening to an impactful narrative | English

Starter quiz

'The overall mood of a story or poem' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?

'atmosphere' ✓
'A conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?

'dialogue' ✓
Which of the following animals might we associate with jealousy and envy?

tigers

owls

snakes ✓

sharks
'A figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as' ' is the definition of which word?

'simile' ✓
Which of the following might we think of as closed body language?

hunched shoulders ✓

open arms

crossed arms ✓

eye contact
'Having a powerful effect on a situation or person' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?

'impactful' ✓

Which type of atmosphere might the simile 'the branches reached out as if with open arms' might create?

menacing

welcoming ✓

apathetic
'A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?

'cliche' ✓
Which of the following are examples of closed body language?

eye contact

crossed arms ✓

avoiding eye contact ✓

open arms
'Sets up the setting, characters and atmosphere of the story' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?

'exposition' ✓
'An object, image, sound or phrase that is repeated throughout a story that relates to the themes' is the definition of which word beginning with 'm'?

'motif' ✓
Which of the following flowers typically symbolises jealousy?

red roses

violets

foxgloves

yellow hyacinths ✓

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To create atmosphere, you might use similes, dialogue and motifs.
To avoid clichés, you might think about how you can add extra detail and sensory aspects to similes.
To write effective dialogue, you might consider how you present body language and the balance of the lines.
To create motifs that represent emotions, you might think about what colours or objects symbolise that emotions.

The words exchanged between characters are the most effective way to convey the relationship between them.

Often, the most effective dialogue comes from considering body language and the balance of the lines.

Impactful - having a powerful effect on a situation or person
Exposition - sets up the setting, characters and atmosphere of the story
Atmosphere - the overall mood of a story or poem
Motif - an object, image, sound or phrase that is repeated throughout a story that relates to the themes