KS2 English

Writing
Years 5-6

Contents
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Letter of Complaint: Book Review:

Plain version.............................................2
Annotated version.....................................3
Explanation Text:
Plain version.............................................4
Annotated version.....................................5
Newspaper Report:
Plain version.............................................6
Annotated version.....................................7
Discussion:
Plain version.............................................8
Annotated version.....................................9
Persuasive Flyer:
Plain version.............................................10
Annotated version.....................................11
Plain version.............................................12
Annotated version.....................................13
Non-Chronological Report:
Plain version.............................................14
Annotated version.....................................15
Contemporary Story:
Plain version.............................................16
Annotated version.....................................17
Adventure Story:
Plain version.............................................18
Annotated version.....................................19

for use with the

Targeted Question Books
 Letter of Complaint

Happy Smiles Toy Shop 19 Dawnmoor

19 Highstreet, Logansmull
Tiltmire LG23 9NP
TL16 9KL
14th January

Dear Ms Wallace,
I am writing to complain about the
remote‑controlled car I purchased from your shop
last weekend. Although the toy was new and the
packaging undamaged, my daughter was dismayed to
open a defective car on her birthday.
Firstly, the car had not been fully assembled or
finished. The wheels were not attached and it had
not been painted. This meant that my daughter could
not play with it immediately, and instead we had to
complete the car ourselves.
After spending a significant amount of time
correcting these errors, we were then hindered by the
lack of batteries, which the box stated were included.
As it was a Sunday, I had to drive for half an hour to
find a shop that was open and selling batteries.
When I finally inserted the batteries, the remote
control failed to work. I checked the wires in the
handset and found that they were severed, meaning
that it would not function. At this point, my daughter
burst into tears, her birthday completely ruined.
I am extremely disappointed that you sold me
a faulty toy. It is essential that this issue be resolved
immediately: I suggest that you replace the damaged
car with one that is fully functioning.

Yours sincerely,
Mrs Price

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 Letter of Complaint — Annotated
Recipient’s Writer’s
address. Happy Smiles Toy Shop 19 Dawnmoor address.
19 Highstreet, Logansmull
Tiltmire LG23 9NP
TL16 9KL Date of
14th January writing
Polite the letter.
term of Dear Ms Wallace,
address I am writing to complain about the
to start remote‑controlled car I purchased from your shop
the letter. last weekend. Although the toy was new and the
packaging undamaged, my daughter was dismayed to
open a defective car on her birthday.

This paragraph Firstly, the car had not been fully assembled or
makes a point, finished. The wheels were not attached and it had Each
gives evidence not been painted. This meant that my daughter could problem is
for it, then not play with it immediately, and instead we had to explained in
explains why complete the car ourselves. a separate
it is a problem paragraph.
After spending a significant amount of time
— this makes correcting these errors, we were then hindered by the
the issue clear. lack of batteries, which the box stated were included.
As it was a Sunday, I had to drive for half an hour to
find a shop that was open and selling batteries.
Formal When I finally inserted the batteries, the remote
language control failed to work. I checked the wires in the Sentences
makes the handset and found that they were severed, meaning with multiple
letter sound that it would not function. At this point, my daughter clauses
serious. burst into tears, her birthday completely ruined. give extra
information.
I am extremely disappointed that you sold me
a faulty toy. It is essential that this issue be resolved The
immediately: I suggest that you replace the damaged subjunctive
car with one that is fully functioning. makes this
sound very
formal and
Yours sincerely, serious.
Mrs Price
Final paragraph sums up how
the writer feels and explains
how the problem can be fixed.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 3

 Explanation Text

How the Water Cycle Works

Have you had a glass of water today? If so, you may

have drunk water that was once sipped by dinosaurs. That’s
because the water cycle has been recycling the Earth’s water
for millions of years. The water cycle includes several stages.
First, the sun heats the Earth’s rivers, lakes and oceans.
The heated water turns into a gas called water vapour and
rises into the air. This process is called evaporation.
Next, the water vapour cools as it rises higher into the
sky. This causes the vapour to turn into tiny water droplets
and form clouds. This process is called condensation.
The water droplets become bigger and heavier as more
water condenses. When the droplets become so heavy that
the air is unable to hold them any longer, they fall from the
sky as rain, snow or hail. This is called precipitation.
The fallen water flows into rivers, lakes and oceans as
runoff, ready to begin the cycle all over again. The diagram
below illustrates the stages of the water cycle.

1. Evaporation
2. Condensation
3. Precipitation 3
4. Runoff 2

4
1

The water cycle means that Earth’s water is constantly

being reused — no new water is created. As a result, the
water you use today has been around for a long time. So,
next time you take a bath, just think — you might be bathing
in the same water as the Ancient Egyptians.

Glossary
evaporation — the process by which a liquid turns into a gas.
condensation — the process by which a gas turns into a liquid.
precipitation — liquid falling from clouds, e.g. rain and snow.
runoff — water running off the land.

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 Explanation Text — Annotated
Introduction
Title sums gives an
up what How the Water Cycle Works overview of
the text is the text.
about. Have you had a glass of water today? If so, you may
have drunk water that was once sipped by dinosaurs. That’s
because the water cycle has been recycling the Earth’s water
Logical
for millions of years. The water cycle includes several stages.
structure
Linking First, the sun heats the Earth’s rivers, lakes and oceans.
makes the
words and The heated water turns into a gas called water vapour and
points easy
phrases rises into the air. This process is called evaporation.
to follow.
help the Next, the water vapour cools as it rises higher into the
text flow. sky. This causes the vapour to turn into tiny water droplets
and form clouds. This process is called condensation. Present
The water droplets become bigger and heavier as more tense shows
water condenses. When the droplets become so heavy that the process
the air is unable to hold them any longer, they fall from the is still
Adverbials sky as rain, snow or hail. This is called precipitation. happening.
provide The fallen water flows into rivers, lakes and oceans as
extra runoff, ready to begin the cycle all over again. The diagram Technical
information below illustrates the stages of the water cycle. vocabulary
about the makes the
process. 1. Evaporation text sound
reliable.
2. Condensation
3. Precipitation 3
4. Runoff 2
Diagram
helps the
reader to
picture the 4
1
process.
The water cycle means that Earth’s water is constantly
being reused — no new water is created. As a result, the Conclusion
water you use today has been around for a long time. So, sums up
next time you take a bath, just think — you might be bathing what the
in the same water as the Ancient Egyptians. text is about.
Glossary
evaporation — the process by which a liquid turns into a gas.
condensation — the process by which a gas turns into a liquid.
Glossary
precipitation — liquid falling from clouds, e.g. rain and snow.
explains key
technical runoff — water running off the land.
terms.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 5

 Newspaper Report
Sensational School Steals Show
Last night, the audience
at ‘The Nation’s Greatest’
talent show saw a shock
winner announced as
underdogs Maytime
Primary School triumphed
over the competition.
The Country’s Finest
Maytime Primary
School, who were up
against amazing vocal
groups and dramatic dance
troupes, managed to defy
expectations with their
magical routine. Students
performed spectacular
magic tricks, including
levitating the judges and
making the audience
disappear.
Satoshi Kami, one of
the Maytime students who
took to the stage, said “I
can’t believe we won! All
our hard work paid off.”
Jo Lee, another young
magician from the school,
commented, “There were
some brilliant acts, and
I feel honoured to have
competed against them.”
© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed
A Spellbinding Teacher
The performers from
Maytime were led by
their teacher, Mr Wand,
a former magician who
regularly performed on
television in the 1990s.
Speaking to reporters
outside the talent show’s
London venue, he said
he loved seeing his
students mastering tricky
techniques. However,
he declined to comment
on how the tricks are
performed.
Reaping the Rewards
The Maytime magicians
were awarded a substantial
cash prize. They plan to
put it towards new magic
equipment to make their
act even more spectacular.
Their victory means that
they will automatically
compete in next year’s
competition, where they
will defend their title as
the nation’s most talented
performers.
6
 Newspaper Report — Annotated
First paragraph summarises the
story by stating what happened,
to who, where and when.
Sensational School Steals Show
Last night, the audience
at ‘The Nation’s Greatest’
talent show saw a shock
winner announced as
Subheadings underdogs Maytime
show the Primary School triumphed
subject over the competition.
of each
section. The Country’s Finest
Maytime Primary
School, who were up
against amazing vocal
groups and dramatic dance
troupes, managed to defy
expectations with their
Facts make the
magical routine. Students
reporter seem
performed spectacular
knowledgeable.
magic tricks, including
levitating the judges and
making the audience
disappear.
Satoshi Kami, one of
the Maytime students who
took to the stage, said “I
Direct can’t believe we won! All
speech adds our hard work paid off.”
interest to Jo Lee, another young
the report.
magician from the school,
commented, “There were
some brilliant acts, and
I feel honoured to have
competed against them.”
© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed
Headline
grabs the
reader’s
attention.
A Spellbinding Teacher
The performers from
Maytime were led by
their teacher, Mr Wand,
a former magician who
regularly performed on
television in the 1990s.
Speaking to reporters
outside the talent show’s
London venue, he said
he loved seeing his
students mastering tricky
techniques. However, Reported
he declined to comment speech
on how the tricks are summarises
performed. what’s
been said.
Reaping the Rewards
The Maytime magicians
were awarded a substantial
cash prize. They plan to
put it towards new magic
equipment to make their Varied
sentence
act even more spectacular.
Their victory means that lengths and
structures
they will automatically
compete in next year’s make the
writing more
competition, where they
interesting.
will defend their title as
the nation’s most talented
performers.
7
 Discussion

Should Children Be Banned From Buying Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks are designed to give you a kick‑start.
They contain high levels of sugar, as well as a chemical
called caffeine, which makes you more alert. For some
people, such as drivers travelling long distances or people
working long shifts, this extra burst of energy can be very
useful. However, there are growing calls for the purchase of
these drinks to be restricted to those over 16 years old.
Some energy drinks contain over 50 grams of sugar per
serving — that’s more than twice the daily recommended
amount for children aged 7-10. Consuming too much sugar
can contribute to obesity, which increases the risk of health
problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For this
reason, many people believe that children should be banned
from buying energy drinks in order to protect their health.
On the other hand, there are many other drinks and
snacks that also contain a lot of sugar. For example, a
350 ml serving of apple juice can contain around 40 grams
of sugar — well above the recommended amount for a
child. Some people argue that since energy drinks contain
around the same amount of sugar as other widely available
drinks, children should not be banned from buying them.
Another argument for restricting the sale of energy
drinks is the amount of caffeine that they contain. In excess,
caffeine can cause sickness and anxiety. There have been few
studies on the effects of caffeine on children, meaning that it
may have harmful impacts that are yet to be discovered.
However, some people believe that, although energy
drinks may have negative effects, nobody has the right
to tell children and teenagers what they can and cannot
consume. They argue that young people should have the
freedom to make their own decisions about what is and is
not appropriate for their own bodies.
Ultimately, there are arguments both for banning the
sale of energy drinks to children and for allowing children
to continue buying them. Whichever side of the debate you
fall on, it’s probably best to avoid drinking too many sugary
or caffeinated drinks.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 8

 Discussion — Annotated
Title asks a
Should Children Be Banned From Buying Energy Drinks? question to
introduce
First Energy drinks are designed to give you a kick‑start. discussion.
paragraph They contain high levels of sugar, as well as a chemical
gives called caffeine, which makes you more alert. For some
background to people, such as drivers travelling long distances or people
the discussion. working long shifts, this extra burst of energy can be very
useful. However, there are growing calls for the purchase of
these drinks to be restricted to those over 16 years old.
Some energy drinks contain over 50 grams of sugar per
Generalisation serving — that’s more than twice the daily recommended
amount for children aged 7-10. Consuming too much sugar Objective
shows that
can contribute to obesity, which increases the risk of health tone makes
the statement
problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For this the writer
is true in
reason, many people believe that children should be banned seem
most cases.
from buying energy drinks in order to protect their health. unbiased.
Linking words On the other hand, there are many other drinks and
and phrases snacks that also contain a lot of sugar. For example, a
introduce 350 ml serving of apple juice can contain around 40 grams Facts help
contrasting of sugar — well above the recommended amount for a to make the
points. child. Some people argue that since energy drinks contain text seem
around the same amount of sugar as other widely available reliable.
drinks, children should not be banned from buying them.
Another argument for restricting the sale of energy
drinks is the amount of caffeine that they contain. In excess,
Giving an caffeine can cause sickness and anxiety. There have been few
argument then studies on the effects of caffeine on children, meaning that it
a counter- may have harmful impacts that are yet to be discovered. Present
argument tense
However, some people believe that, although energy
makes the text shows the
drinks may have negative effects, nobody has the right
balanced. discussion
to tell children and teenagers what they can and cannot
is ongoing.
consume. They argue that young people should have the
freedom to make their own decisions about what is and is
not appropriate for their own bodies.
Ultimately, there are arguments both for banning the
sale of energy drinks to children and for allowing children Clear,
to continue buying them. Whichever side of the debate you balanced
fall on, it’s probably best to avoid drinking too many sugary conclusion
or caffeinated drinks. sums up
the debate.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 9

 Persuasive Flyer

Help Our Hockey Club!

Our hockey club urgently needs your help to purchase
new equipment for our outstanding junior team.
We currently have an eager squad of talented children
who adore playing at tournaments. However, our
equipment is old and damaged, and unfortunately we do
not have the funds to acquire new hockey sticks, balls or
kits. Wouldn’t you like to help our junior players succeed
at something they love? Sponsoring new equipment
would do just that.
Moreover, this will be a fantastic publicity opportunity
for your company. With parents worrying about children
spending too much time indoors, your sponsorship would
prove your commitment to changing the attitudes of young
people and encouraging healthy lifestyles. As our junior
team is the strongest and most successful in the region, the
equipment will be taken to numerous tournaments across
the county. This means that everyone in the area will
become aware of your company’s generosity. Everyone
in the area will associate your company’s name with the
team’s success. Everyone in the area will know that your
company has helped our most promising young players to
fulfil their potential.
If you help us towards our target of £500, we will be
able to afford new hockey sticks and balls, as well as
kits with your company name on. Your investment will
encourage children to pursue their passion, stay active and
have fun. Please help our wonderful junior team excel at
something they love.
For more information, or to make a donation, contact
Sarah Jansworth at Spur Lane Hockey Club.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 10

 Persuasive Flyer — Annotated

Help Our Hockey Club!

Positive
Our hockey club urgently needs your help to purchase adjectives
new equipment for our outstanding junior team. emphasise
the children’s
We currently have an eager squad of talented children passion and
who adore playing at tournaments. However, our skill.
equipment is old and damaged, and unfortunately we do
not have the funds to acquire new hockey sticks, balls or
Rhetorical
kits. Wouldn’t you like to help our junior players succeed
question
at something they love? Sponsoring new equipment
makes the
would do just that.
reader think.
Linking Moreover, this will be a fantastic publicity opportunity
words help for your company. With parents worrying about children
the writing spending too much time indoors, your sponsorship would
flow. prove your commitment to changing the attitudes of young
people and encouraging healthy lifestyles. As our junior
team is the strongest and most successful in the region, the
equipment will be taken to numerous tournaments across Exaggeration
Repetition
the county. This means that everyone in the area will emphasises
highlights
become aware of your company’s generosity. Everyone the point.
the
in the area will associate your company’s name with the
benefits
team’s success. Everyone in the area will know that your
for the
company has helped our most promising young players to
company.
fulfil their potential.
Use of ‘you’
If you help us towards our target of £500, we will be and ‘your’
able to afford new hockey sticks and balls, as well as appeals to
List of kits with your company name on. Your investment will the reader
three builds encourage children to pursue their passion, stay active and directly.
up the have fun. Please help our wonderful junior team excel at
argument. something they love.
For more information, or to make a donation, contact
Instruction
Sarah Jansworth at Spur Lane Hockey Club.
makes it clear
what the reader
should do.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 11

 Book Review

Book Review — ‘Shallow Seas’ by Maisie Jennings

‘Shallow Seas’, the new science fiction novel from
best-selling author Maisie Jennings, is an extremely
entertaining, engaging and, at times, funny story.
The book follows Amanda Eagle, a lazy girl who
doesn’t work hard at school. One day, she is visited by a
superhero, Waterion, who tells her that she has the power
to control water and that her help is needed to stop an
evil villain, Scorchion, from draining the Earth’s oceans.
However, because she hasn’t used her powers before, she
needs to go to the bottom of the sea to train. Amanda
must learn to work hard and understand her new powers
to foil Scorchion’s plan.
I found the novel to be fast-paced and exciting.
I was very tense while reading, wondering whether
Amanda would harness her abilities in time to save the
world. I also found the interactions between Waterion
and Amanda hilarious. They don’t get on immediately
and taunt each other with witty insults. However, as their
bond grows they become increasingly interesting and
easy to relate to.
My favourite part of the novel was definitely the final
showdown; there was no guarantee that Amanda would
win, which made it very thrilling. I particularly liked
the way the writer used brief flashbacks as a reminder of
what Amanda had learned and how she was using her
new‑found skills in her battle against Scorchion.
Although I enjoyed the book immensely, I wish it
had been a bit shorter. There were times when the writer
spent five pages describing a place that the characters
only visited once. For her next novel, I think Maisie
Jennings should focus more on moving the story forward
and less on describing settings.
Despite this criticism, this is one of the best books I
have ever read. I found it so exciting that it was a struggle
to put it down, and I will definitely be reading it again
soon. I highly recommend this novel for fans of science
fiction, but I would encourage anyone looking for a
gripping adventure story to try it.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 12

 Book Review — Annotated
Title and
Book Review — ‘Shallow Seas’ by Maisie Jennings author are
given at
‘Shallow Seas’, the new science fiction novel from
the start of
best-selling author Maisie Jennings, is an extremely
the review.
entertaining, engaging and, at times, funny story.
The book follows Amanda Eagle, a lazy girl who
doesn’t work hard at school. One day, she is visited by a
superhero, Waterion, who tells her that she has the power
to control water and that her help is needed to stop an Brief plot
evil villain, Scorchion, from draining the Earth’s oceans. summary
However, because she hasn’t used her powers before, she helps the
needs to go to the bottom of the sea to train. Amanda reader
must learn to work hard and understand her new powers understand
to foil Scorchion’s plan. the rest of
I found the novel to be fast-paced and exciting. the review.
Outlining I was very tense while reading, wondering whether
the strengths Amanda would harness her abilities in time to save the
of the novel world. I also found the interactions between Waterion
justifies and Amanda hilarious. They don’t get on immediately
the writer’s and taunt each other with witty insults. However, as their
opinion. bond grows they become increasingly interesting and
easy to relate to.
My favourite part of the novel was definitely the final
showdown; there was no guarantee that Amanda would
win, which made it very thrilling. I particularly liked
Description
the way the writer used brief flashbacks as a reminder of
of a
what Amanda had learned and how she was using her
highlight
new‑found skills in her battle against Scorchion.
adds detail.
Suggested Although I enjoyed the book immensely, I wish it
improvements had been a bit shorter. There were times when the writer
give a spent five pages describing a place that the characters
balanced only visited once. For her next novel, I think Maisie
view. Jennings should focus more on moving the story forward
and less on describing settings.
Despite this criticism, this is one of the best books I Recap
have ever read. I found it so exciting that it was a struggle sums up
Recommendation to put it down, and I will definitely be reading it again the writer’s
helps the reader soon. I highly recommend this novel for fans of science overall
decide whether fiction, but I would encourage anyone looking for a opinion of
to read the gripping adventure story to try it. the novel.
novel.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 13

 Non-Chronological Report

Awe-Inspiring Dinosaurs
When did dinosaurs live?
Dinosaurs existed between about 245 and 66 million years
ago, during the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
They were present long before modern humans, who
evolved around 200 000 years ago.

What kinds of dinosaur existed?

Around 700 different species of dinosaur have been
discovered by paleontologists (scientists who study past
life-forms), and most scientists believe that there are
more still to be discovered. Many people today are
familiar with a number of dinosaurs, including the fierce
Tyrannosaurus Rex, the long‑necked Diplodocus and the
spiky‑tailed Stegosaurus.

How big were the dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs came in all shapes and sizes. One of the
largest dinosaurs that scientists have identified is
the Argentinosaurus, which is thought to have been
around 35 metres long. Other dinosaurs, such as the
Lesothosaurus, were only the height of a chicken.

What did dinosaurs eat?

Dinosaurs can be split into three groups according to their
diet:
• Some dinosaurs (known as carnivores) only ate meat.
They hunted their prey or scavenged for animals that
were already dead.
• Other dinosaurs (known as herbivores) only ate plants.
They ate leaves, twigs and roots.
• Some dinosaurs ate both meat and plants. They are
known as omnivores.

What happened to the dinosaurs?

Dinosaurs became extinct around 66 million years ago, but
scientists aren’t completely sure why. One popular theory
is that an asteroid hit the Earth, causing the climate to
change too rapidly and dramatically for dinosaurs to adapt.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 14

 Non-Chronological Report — Annotated

Heading

Subheadings
Awe-Inspiring Dinosaurs shows what
the report
break up is about.
When did dinosaurs live?
the report
Dinosaurs existed between about 245 and 66 million years
into topics
ago, during the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
and make
They were present long before modern humans, who
it easy to
evolved around 200 000 years ago.
follow.
What kinds of dinosaur existed?
Around 700 different species of dinosaur have been
Technical discovered by paleontologists (scientists who study past
vocabulary life-forms), and most scientists believe that there are
makes the more still to be discovered. Many people today are Generalisation
text more familiar with a number of dinosaurs, including the fierce shows that
informative. Tyrannosaurus Rex, the long‑necked Diplodocus and the the statement
spiky‑tailed Stegosaurus. is true in
most cases.
How big were the dinosaurs?
Dinosaurs came in all shapes and sizes. One of the
Facts give largest dinosaurs that scientists have identified is
specific the Argentinosaurus, which is thought to have been
information around 35 metres long. Other dinosaurs, such as the
about the Lesothosaurus, were only the height of a chicken.
topic.
What did dinosaurs eat?
Dinosaurs can be split into three groups according to their
diet:
• Some dinosaurs (known as carnivores) only ate meat.
Bullet They hunted their prey or scavenged for animals that
points lay were already dead.
out the • Other dinosaurs (known as herbivores) only ate plants.
list clearly. They ate leaves, twigs and roots.
• Some dinosaurs ate both meat and plants. They are
known as omnivores.
Final
What happened to the dinosaurs?
paragraph
Dinosaurs became extinct around 66 million years ago, but
summarises
scientists aren’t completely sure why. One popular theory
what is
is that an asteroid hit the Earth, causing the climate to
currently
change too rapidly and dramatically for dinosaurs to adapt.
known about
why dinosaurs
died out.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 15

 Contemporary Story

Clara hurtled breathlessly down the stairs and into the

kitchen. Her brother glanced up from his book.
“What are you in such a rush for?” he asked indifferently.
“I’m late for rehearsal,” she panted, wrestling with her coat
and shoes. “Again. Mr Sykes threatened to give my part to
someone else if I was late one more time.”
“Oh no! How awful!” he cried with mock concern.
“Shut up!” yelled Clara, as she stormed out of the house.
She dashed down the street, the freezing rain pounding on
her coat and numbing her face. Only last year, Zac had lost
the part of Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for messing
around. He’d ended up playing a tree. Clara couldn’t bear it
if that happened to her.
She reached her school and sprinted along the corridor
like she was being chased. Flinging open the doors to the
main hall, she skidded to a halt. It was empty. She walked
slowly in, her footsteps echoing in the deserted space. She
was only 15 minutes late. Where on earth was everyone?
A door groaned open at the other end of the hall.
Whipping round, Clara heaved a sigh of relief as she saw the
scruffy, gangly figure of Mr Sykes shambling in.
“Oh, hello Clara,” he said, looking surprised. “You’re early
today.”
“Early?” Clara repeated, puzzled.
“Yes, we’re starting an hour late tonight. Everyone was told
about it at the last rehearsal.” Clara remembered now.
“At least you’re not late this time,” he sniffed, pursing his
lips. Clara felt her face redden and looked at her shoes.
Mr Sykes observed her more closely.
“Is everything all right, Clara? You don’t seem quite
yourself lately. Don’t you want to be in this play any more?”
“I do!” Clara exclaimed. “I’m just... well, I’m really
struggling to learn my lines. I’ve been working so hard on
them that I lose track of time. That’s why I’ve been late to the
last few rehearsals. I feel so stupid.” She felt tears pricking
her eyelids. Mr Sykes’s stern expression softened.
“Everyone has trouble learning lines sometimes,” he said
kindly. “Let’s go over them now — you’ll get them in no time.”

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 16

 Contemporary Story — Annotated
Action-packed opening
gets straight into the story.

Clara hurtled breathlessly down the stairs and into the Dialogue
shows the
kitchen. Her brother glanced up from his book. relationship
Appeals to “What are you in such a rush for?” he asked indifferently. between
the senses “I’m late for rehearsal,” she panted, wrestling with her coat Clara and
help the and shoes. “Again. Mr Sykes threatened to give my part to her brother.
reader someone else if I was late one more time.”
imagine “Oh no! How awful!” he cried with mock concern. Flashback
the scene. “Shut up!” yelled Clara, as she stormed out of the house. helps the
She dashed down the street, the freezing rain pounding on reader
her coat and numbing her face. Only last year, Zac had lost understand
the part of Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for messing Clara’s
Simile around. He’d ended up playing a tree. Clara couldn’t bear it feelings.
highlights if that happened to her.
Clara’s She reached her school and sprinted along the corridor
panic. like she was being chased. Flinging open the doors to the Cliffhanger
main hall, she skidded to a halt. It was empty. She walked makes the
slowly in, her footsteps echoing in the deserted space. She reader
was only 15 minutes late. Where on earth was everyone? wonder
A door groaned open at the other end of the hall. what will
Unusual
Whipping round, Clara heaved a sigh of relief as she saw the happen next.
vocabulary
scruffy, gangly figure of Mr Sykes shambling in.
makes
“Oh, hello Clara,” he said, looking surprised. “You’re early
the story
today.”
interesting.
“Early?” Clara repeated, puzzled.
“Yes, we’re starting an hour late tonight. Everyone was told
about it at the last rehearsal.” Clara remembered now.
“At least you’re not late this time,” he sniffed, pursing his Dialogue
lips. Clara felt her face redden and looked at her shoes. shows what
Mr Sykes observed her more closely. the characters
“Is everything all right, Clara? You don’t seem quite are like.
yourself lately. Don’t you want to be in this play any more?”
“I do!” Clara exclaimed. “I’m just... well, I’m really
Clara is
struggling to learn my lines. I’ve been working so hard on
shown to be
them that I lose track of time. That’s why I’ve been late to the
determined
last few rehearsals. I feel so stupid.” She felt tears pricking
to do
her eyelids. Mr Sykes’s stern expression softened.
her best
“Everyone has trouble learning lines sometimes,” he said
throughout
kindly. “Let’s go over them now — you’ll get them in no time.”
the story.
Clear‑cut ending resolves the
issue and leaves no loose ends.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 17

 Adventure Story

Nathan stood stock-still, his mouth open wide. In the

wavering light of his head torch, millions of deep-blue gems
glinted like the surface of the ocean on a summer’s day. He turned
slowly, hardly daring to believe that he had really found it — the
place his dad had been seeking for decades.
Nathan remembered the first time he had heard of Sapphire
Cave, nearly two years ago. He had been in the living room,
watching TV, when his dad had pulled down a heavy, cloth-bound
book from a high shelf and placed it solemnly on the table in
front of him. As Nathan opened the book, a cloud of dust rose
from it, making his eyes water and his nose itch.
“Look at page 48,” his dad had said huskily. “I’ve been searching
for Sapphire Cave my whole life, but with my leg injury I can’t
explore like I used to. I need you to take over where I left off.”
Two years of searching the craggy cliffs and hidden coves around
their home, and now Nathan had found it! He had to take a sample
home for his dad, and show him that all his years of effort hadn’t
been in vain. Nathan pulled a small hammer and chisel from his
bag and peered around for a suitable jewel. Placing the chisel
carefully at the base of a large sapphire, he gave it a sharp tap. The
cave rang with a sound like a spoon striking a glass, magnified a
thousand times. Instead of fading away as Nathan expected, the
sound continued to grow, echoing around the enclosed space and
causing a deep vibration that seemed to fill the air.
Nathan gasped in horror as pieces of sapphire began to fall from
the roof and rain around him, tinkling like hailstones on the rocky
floor. As he scrambled towards the narrow beam of daylight that
marked the world outside, a huge sapphire directly above the exit
started to shudder. If it fell, he would be trapped in the cave!
He moved faster, dodging falling jewels. With a final desperate
effort, he squeezed through the narrow gap. Boom! With a thud
that shook the ground, the jewel fell, sealing the cave forever.
Nathan slumped on the ground, catching his breath. Could his
dad bear to learn that he would now never see the cave? Could
Nathan really keep a secret this huge from his dad? He closed his
eyes and wondered what he should do.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 18

 Adventure Story — Annotated
Descriptive opening
sets the scene.
Simile paints a
Nathan stood stock-still, his mouth open wide. In the clear picture.
wavering light of his head torch, millions of deep-blue gems
glinted like the surface of the ocean on a summer’s day. He turned
slowly, hardly daring to believe that he had really found it — the
place his dad had been seeking for decades.
Appeal to Nathan remembered the first time he had heard of Sapphire Flashback
the senses Cave, nearly two years ago. He had been in the living room, gives
makes the watching TV, when his dad had pulled down a heavy, cloth-bound background
scene more book from a high shelf and placed it solemnly on the table in to the
vivid. front of him. As Nathan opened the book, a cloud of dust rose story.
from it, making his eyes water and his nose itch.
“Look at page 48,” his dad had said huskily. “I’ve been searching Dialogue
for Sapphire Cave my whole life, but with my leg injury I can’t moves
explore like I used to. I need you to take over where I left off.” the story
Nathan’s Two years of searching the craggy cliffs and hidden coves around forward.
main their home, and now Nathan had found it! He had to take a sample
concern is home for his dad, and show him that all his years of effort hadn’t
his dad — been in vain. Nathan pulled a small hammer and chisel from his
this tells us bag and peered around for a suitable jewel. Placing the chisel
about his carefully at the base of a large sapphire, he gave it a sharp tap. The
character. cave rang with a sound like a spoon striking a glass, magnified a
thousand times. Instead of fading away as Nathan expected, the Interesting
sound continued to grow, echoing around the enclosed space and vocabulary
causing a deep vibration that seemed to fill the air. makes
Nathan gasped in horror as pieces of sapphire began to fall from the story
the roof and rain around him, tinkling like hailstones on the rocky engaging.
floor. As he scrambled towards the narrow beam of daylight that
Cliffhanger marked the world outside, a huge sapphire directly above the exit
builds started to shudder. If it fell, he would be trapped in the cave!
suspense. He moved faster, dodging falling jewels. With a final desperate
effort, he squeezed through the narrow gap. Boom! With a thud
that shook the ground, the jewel fell, sealing the cave forever.
Nathan slumped on the ground, catching his breath. Could his
dad bear to learn that he would now never see the cave? Could
Nathan really keep a secret this huge from his dad? He closed his
eyes and wondered what he should do.
Open ending
leaves the
reader guessing.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 19

Published by CGP

Editors:
Claire Boulter, Andy Cashmore, Alex Fairer, Rachael Marshall
With thanks to Catherine Heygate for the proofreading

Clipart from Corel®

Based on the classic CGP style created by Richard Parsons.

Text, design, layout and original illustrations © Coordination Group Publications Ltd. (CGP) 2018
All rights reserved.

© CGP — free to be photocopied and distributed 20