Year 6 Revision Guide – Literacy

Newspaper CONTENTS

Introduction Page 3

Recounts Page 4

Instructions Page 5, 6

Reports Page 7

Explanation Page 8, 9

Persuasion Page 10, 11

Discussion Page12, 13

Letter writing Page 14

Leaflet Page 15, 16

Newspaper Page 17

Play scripts Page 18, 19

Interviews Page 20, 21

Connectives Page 22

Autobiography Page 23

Story writing – Similes Page 24

Story writing – Key words Page 25

Character descriptions Page 26

Story starters Page 27

Story writing Page 28

Guide to a perfect story Page 29

Conclusion Page 30

2 Year 6 Revision Guide – Literacy

There are four tests in Literacy that you need to prepare for. These are: 1. Reading paper (1 Hour) 2. Shorter writing task (20 mins) 3. Longer writing task (45 mins) 4. Spelling test (20 spellings, worth 10 marks) You will also receive marks for your handwriting in the first paragraph on the longer writing task. This is a maximum of three marks.

I have provided you with a selection of genres for you to read and revise from. These are level 5 pieces of work however you should recognize all the elements of the work from what we have done in class.

A good strategy for revision would be to read the pieces of work and highlight what is ‘good’ about them focusing on language (words used especially connectives and sentence starters) and structure (can you nick anything for your introduction/conclusion?). Also making your own checklists on what elements different genres need and to see how much you can remember would be beneficial too.

GOOD LUCK! If you are struggling on a particular genre let me know and I will spend time with you revising it!

Sentence starters and useful vocabulary are in BLUE.

3 NON – FICTION

Recounts

Eye witness report

On Thursday 14th April, 3:05 pm, I was walking home from school, taking my usual route, when I heard a man shout. Worried, I turned around to see what the commotion was all about. Suddenly a large silver ford focus came towards me and crashed into a tree! I ran to see if anyone was hurt, luckily, the only person in the car stepped out unscathed.

He was wearing a tuxedo which was a little ripped (obviously from the crash) and at once I knew he was a business man. Looking around, I saw nothing other than a fox darting away. The man sighed (a sigh of relief) and hung up his mobile. Now I know why he swerved off the road. Next he started to make another call.

At the time I didn’t know who the black haired man was calling however, shortly after, about 5 or 10 minutes I should think, a recovery truck came, loaded the wreckage, and left. I never saw the fox again…and I changed my route home!

RECOUNTS CHECKLIST

 Introduction – Set the scene (Date, time, place)  Chronological order – Time connectives (Next…Then…Shortly after)  Conclusion – Reflect on what the recount was about (Going to Humphrey Head was an excellent experience. One I will never forget)  Past tense  1st person - (I, we)  Include LOTS of detail  Be specific – (He was 5 ft tall with long dark hair)  Be interesting! – The entire contents of your packed lunch is NOT interesting!

4 INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTION LEAFLET How to use your zero gravity boots!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be monstrous within your house without breaking anything? Do you know what it’s like to walk on walls? Have you ever wanted to do something that your friends haven’t had the opportunity to do? If this sounds like you then now’s the time for you to be able to do it!

Follow these simple, easy and quick guide to have the time of your life.

How to use these boots?

These boots come complete with Hi Tec specifications and at some time or other can be extremely hazardous or even dangerous. Therefore to be safe you MUST read this section very carefully!

1. You must gently place your left foot in the left boot or this will not work, followed by the right leg. 2. After you have firmly placed your feet into the boots be sure to secure them and fasten the necessary safety catches to ensure you can have a firm wall bouncing time! 3. Think dangers BUT be safe as in order for these to work you must act calm or these boots maybe very boisterous. You are now only one simple step away from having the time of your life! 4. Leap as high as you can and put your required destination.

HAVE FUN…BUT REMEMBER BE SAFE!

Safety advice

Warning:

 These boots may have a life of their own so if they are used incorrectly they’ll take you to places you don’t want to go.  Ensure you have secured all the fastenings and double checked otherwise your feet are obviously going to fall out when you’re having so much fun.

Caution:

These boots are valuable and very delicate so take care where you land. Adult supervision necessary. Suitable for ages 9 – 89!

How to care for this product

5 Once a fortnight clean these boots with the cloth and liquid enclosed (if not enclosed send a S.A.E to the address below).

Three times monthly bathe your boots in hot clean water for at least 5 mins. Then dry with a towel and leave to dry by the radiator or 20 yards away from an open fire.

HAVE FUN AND LET THE WAL CLIMBING BEGIN!

INSTRUCTIONS CHECKLIST

 Title explaining what you are writing about – How to…  Goal – statement saying what you are trying to achieve  When are the instructions needed? – If your computer breaks down…  List of materials/equipment in order  Sequenced steps – Bullet points and/or numbers  Imperative (not bossy) verbs – Stir, Take  Chronological order – (time connectives) First, then, next  Short and long sentences  Adjectives and adverbs – Quickly, Carefully, thick, brown  Be clear (don’t waffle)  Include questions – Have you ever tasted sunshine?  Make instructions sound easy – You are only four simple steps away from…  Make it sound good! – Mouth watering, expert computer, a taste sensation!  End statement – It will taste delicious, Sit back and enjoy…

6 REPORTS

The Pack-it-in bag

I have used the pack-it-in bag now for a month instead of my normal school bag. In this report I will present my opinions on this bag including suggestions for improvements.

GENERAL POINTS: The Pack-it-in bag is very comfortable as it has shoulder pads on the handles to protect your shoulders. Also it is made of waterproof materials to prevent all work and books from getting wet. On the other hand the side pockets are made from denim which is a very bad idea because denim takes hours to dry.

DETAILED INFORMATION: I recognise that there are a few adjustments that should be made, such as:  Make the pen holders have a bottom;  Expand the length of the bag is more books can fit in;  Have a size adjustment on the straps.

Another opinion is that zips should be implemented on the side pockets of the bag so your notepads, letters, homework don’t get wet from muddy puddles. (One rainy day my homework was saturated because of the open pockets.)

EXTRA ISSUES: Furthermore, I personally suggest that you should make the bag stronger for heavier reading books (especially necessary for Year 6 pupils). 9/10 school pupils commented that they have at least 5 books to carry to school daily. I believe that if you make the bag stronger everyone will die to have one.

Overall despite the improvements I have highlighted I love this bag and hope to be sent a complementary bag as thanks for this report!

REPORTS – CHECKLIST

 Introduction – General statement (Tonacliffe Primary School is a school in Whitworth for pupils aged 4 – 11 years old)  DESCRIBE what you are talking about  Present tense  Non chronological  Subheadings  Bullet points  INTERESTING detail

7  Conclusion – relate the subject to the reader (Since Victorian times it has become illegal for teachers to hit children. There is little evidence to indicate this is a positive move!!!)

EXPLANATION

The plant cycle

In order to grow, a plant must go through the 5 stags of a plant life cycle. These 5 stages are: 1. Germination 2. Growth 3. Fertilization 4. Pollination 5. Seed dispersal.

Germination

Plants are one of the living things that are all around us. Germination is one of the 5 processes which allow a seed to grow into a plant. To fully germinate seeds need all of the 4 different ingredients which a seed must have to germinate (if a seed does not have these 4 ingredients, the seed will not germinate).  Warmth  Oxygen  Water  No light

It is a common miss conception that seeds need light. However, many people believe that seeds do need light to germinate.

Growth

Several weeks later the seed should have nearly finished its germination process, and should have started to produce roots and possibly a stem. Once a plant has fully grown, the process of pollination begins. At this particular stage, sunlight is something a plant needs to grow along with oxygen, nutrition, water and warmth. The stem acts like a backbone for the plant.

Pollination

Next comes the process pollination. Different types of plant self pollinate and insects pollinate. The bright petals on the plant attract insects, and as the insect lands on the flower and as the insect collects the pollen, it leaves pollen from pother plants behind.

Fertilisation

8 After pollination, fertilization begins. Fertilisation is one of the most important processes of the plant life cycle. As it said in the paragraph above, when the pollen drops off, the insect’s legs it sticks to the stigma. The pollen travels down the stamen into the Ovary, joins with the egg to produce seeds.

Seed Dispersal

Seeds can be dispersed in 4 different ways. Animal (waste), water, wind and explosion. E.g.

Animal – comes out in waste, sticks to coat. Water- When coconut falls from a tree into water. Wind – Dandelion seeds. Explosion – peapods pop open. Another way is animal’s burry seeds and forget about them.

Parts of a plant

Parts of a plant Function Anther Holds the pollen Leaves Absorb food from sunlight Ovary Holds the egg Petals Attract insects Pollen Make the seeds Roots Anchor the plant and absorb nutrients and water Stem Act as a backbone Stigma Pollen sticks to the stigma

Seeds are part of the plant life cycle. The plant life cycle keeps continuing and will do so for years to come.

EXPLANATIONS – CHECKLIST

 Introduction – General statement  Logical steps – Subheadings  Present tense  Time connectives – Next, then, several months later  General Connectives – because, so, this causes  INTERESTING information - ! ?  Draw the reader in – Not many people would know that…Strange as it may seem  Conclusion – Make a comment on what you have written.

9 PERSUASION

Should children be taught how to use games consoles in school?

Have you ever been on your game too long you forget your homework? Well that’s history as now you can bring them to school!

By bringing then into school children will be taught how to play them as part of their ICT lesson. Also this motion will encourage pupils to work together challenging themselves to achieve higher levels.

Did you know that scientists have proven that pupils who regularly play on their games consoles have significantly better hand/eye coordination than those who don’t? I’m sure you will agree that this is evidence enough to say YES to teaching pupils how to use their computers in school.

80% of pupils from Saltergate Junior School commented that through playing on their games consoles (especially specific games) they have learnt many important values such as:  How to look after pets  Different social skills And many more.

Some people would argue that children need to be playing outside rather than indoors on the computer however there is clear evidence to suggest that since games consoles have become more popular levels of vandalism have been significantly reduced.

I urge you to agree with these points and vote for the motion that teacher should teach how to use a games console as part of the ICT lesson.

10 PERSUASION CHECKLIST

 Introduction – General statement  Arguments – say what they are and give evidence and facts  General connectives – however, because  Use evidence to convince the reader – It has been scientifically proven, 80% of pupils commented that…  Facts (make them up) – Studies have revealed that…  State the opposite argument but use to persuade – Although some people think that…many people know that…  Encourage the reader to agree with you – I urge you…  Use strong positive language – Everyone knows that…All children…  Draw the reader in – At long last, the x you have been waiting for  Use a slogan – Rhyme, alliteration  Use humor – Could you live without television?  Conclusion - Summarise the writing and appeal to the reader to be persuaded (From the arguments I have presented above I urge you to…)

SENTENCE STARTERS

It has been scientifically proven 9/10 people believe that 80% of parents commented that Everyone knows that Research has revealed that On the one hand On the other hand However / Although / Nonetheless In addition / Furthermore / Moreover Another opinion is that… I urge you…

11 DISCUSSION

The vocabulary and language may be difficult to understand but focus on the structure sentence starters. Also nick the introduction and conclusion as these are brilliant and can be used for all balanced arguments.

‘ Should the age of driving be lowered?

In Japan the age of being allowed to learn how to drive has been lowered to 15. This is a controversial issue and raises the question…Should the age of driving be lowered?

On the one hand the people of Japan have had more road casualties in the last week than the whole world has in 2 weeks. 90% of these accidents have been caused by teenagers under the age of 17. American President ‘Barack Obama commented on the situation, ‘Teenagers in Japan are having their lives put at risk at such a young age. It is terrifying’.

On the other hand more adults have been made redundant in the current recession in Britain and more jobs would become available to many more people as countries would need an increased amount of driving instructors. Parents of teenage children have welcomed this notion reporting that it would be an advantage for their child to drive themselves to all the places teenagers need to go!

However, teenagers have been influenced by the so called ‘boy racers’ which joy ride, drink and drive and disturb neighborhoods by revving their engines. Already more complaints have been made to the police explaining that young teenagers have been causing havoc in the local neighborhoods. People are disgruntled about the noise these ‘boy racers’ make.

It must be recognized that not all teenagers abuse the right to drive and there are obvious benefits to sitting a test earlier. From the age of 17 youngsters have the pressures of exams, finding employment or applying for universities. Taking the driving test earlier would relieve at least one of the added pressures. Did you know that 60% of teenagers have said that they would defiantly prefer taking a test earlier.

So the question on everyone’s lips remains – Should the age of driving be lowered or not? Many people have different opinions and it is an issue which will always cause debate.

12 DISCUSSION CHECKLIST

 Use a question for the title  Introduction – Say what you are writing about and why (Whenever the topic of conversation turns to ‘Should children be forced to wear school uniform?’  Say you will discuss both sides of the argument  Present arguments – For, against, for, against  Include facts (make them up) – Studies have revealed that…8/10… 95%...  Conclusion – Encourage the reader to make their own mind up after considering the issues you have presented.

SENTENCE STARTERS

It has been scientifically proven 9/10 people believe that 80% of parents commented that Everyone knows that Research has revealed that On the one hand On the other hand However / Although / Nonetheless In addition / Furthermore / Moreover Another opinion is that…

13 LETTER WRITING

Tonacliffe Primary School Tonacliffe Road Whitworth

23rd March 2011

Dear Mr Brown,

I am writing this letter to persuade you that British spiders are wonderful creatures and should be in every home.

The spiders that live in Britain and delicate and unable to harm you. Did you know that spiders can die at the touch of a feather? People should admire these majestic creatures NOT killing them.

Secondly, spiders rid your house of insects. Studies have revealed that spiders make houses fly free in three days? Here are some amazing facts about spiders:  Spiders don’t need to be taught how to spin a web;  If there were no spiders there would be approximately ten times more insects.  Without spiders there would be NO SPIDERMAN!

Furthermore, the spiders are mot damaging your garden. I acknowledge that your plants are brown however, that has nothing to do with spiders. May I suggest it is the long hours of sunshine we have experienced in the past 2 weeks and lack of watering which has caused your grass to turn?

I hope you have changed you mind about spiders and take into consideration the facts I have presented above. Remember SPIDERS are NOT harmful!

Yours sincerely,

T. Ranchular

14 SENTENCE STARTERS

Dear I am writing this letter to inform / persuade/ discuss / instruct / explain Firstly, Secondly, Furthermore, Finally, In conclusion I hope you take these points into consideration and … Yours sincerely,

15 LEAFLET WRITING

Are you sitting comfortably?... Once upon a time there was a magical place in a far away land of Whitworth. Many children dreamt of this place and longed to visit. Every parent in England wanted to take their child so they could see the smile spread across their face and the special glint in their eyes...And where is this spectacular place?...

FANTASTIC FAIRY -TALE FUN PARK!!

Visit today and have the experience of your life!

Fairy-tale mice...NOT HERE! Fairy-tail-less mice!

Come and visit Fantastic Fairytale Fun Park and see not one...not two BUT three BLIND MICE!

Safe away from the farmer’s wife's knife these mice live in a specially adapted environment. After extensive research scientists have developed a technology never to be seen anywhere else. Marvel in how these mice can carry out everyday tasks using the unique method of specially selected sounds to indicate different objects. This is an experience not to be missed so come and be AMAZED! (Farmers and their wives are not welcome!)

PETTING ZOO! Come to the petting zoo and experience your childhood favorites up close. You won't believe your eyes when you see the many animals we have to offer, for example: * Feed the little piggy roast beef! * Pet the three Billy Goats Gruff; * Cuddle the shy Chicken Licken and shelter him from the falling acorns!

Don't miss out on this unforgettable opportunity!

Ticket Prices: Adult £ 2.50 Child £ 3:95 Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £15

Opening times: Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

16 Weekends: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm (Put the animals to bed!)

LEAFLETS CHECKLIST

Introduction Information - Facts - £ ages, time, dates Persuasive - Positive words e.g.FANTASTIC!! - Facts - Offers % £ Imagination - Anticipation Bullet points Subheadings ? Ellipsis Table Fact boxes SENTENCE STARTERS Don't miss... Venture Plus... Dive into... Come... Experience... Enjoy… See Meet Admire Explore... Challenge yourself Join Giving facts Discover Look out for Take part in - participate Roam Find out Take a look at Look Prepare to be amazed Have fun Take a ...... into Welcome Be enchanted by Ride

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

Greatest Gingerbread man Gobbled by Furious Fox!

Early yesterday morning in the town of Fairies, a gingerbread man (who had just been baked) was murdered. By who? The well known fierce fox...Mr Fox!

17 Late last night a serious crime was committed. It has been rumored that the 62 year old Mr Fox originally from the town of evil murdered little Gingy, the newly baked man.

This nail biting crime has got everyone scared. It is the worst crime to hit the town for a decade.

Why did the gingerbread man die? Before this terrible disaster he tormented everyone in the town. It has been reported he was calling 'Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread man' as he shot through the town.

One eye witness to the crime commented ‘I saw the fox hide behind the hedge and sneak up on the Ginger man. I tried to warn him but it was too late. The fox snapped his jaws as quick as a flash and he was gone!’

The police are in pursuit of the fox searching all surrounding areas. It is rumored that when he is finally apprehended he will serve a 20 year prison sentence.

A memorial service will be held on Monday 5th June at the Gingerbread cottage hosted by the little old lady and the little old man.

Sentence starters

It has been reported that… It is rumored that… Evidence has revealed… It is the worst crime to hit this century ______commented that ‘______‘ Late last night… Early yesterday morning… Sources have revealed… Apparently Reporters have caught up with ______who commented …

PLAYSCRIPTS

Ben: (Shocked) WHAT? Sarah: (Worrying) I…I…I had it just a second ago. Ben: Ok Sarah, good joke, now give me that coin. Sarah: I’m not joking…Honest Ben.

(Starts crying)

18 Ben: (Excitedly) Hey I can see it! Sarah: (Stops crying) W…Where? Ben: Over there! (Points to a pile of leaves) Boy: Mummy! I want to play in the leaves. Mum: Ok son.

(Boy goes over to play in the leaves) (Enter Dad)

Dad: (Happily) Hi kids! What are you doing? Ben: (Shocked) Oh…hi dad! Dad: Where’s the coin? Have you been to the shop yet? Ben: (Pointing directly at Sarah) IT’S HER FAULT…NOT MINE!

(Dad falls back in surprise) (Enter guide)

Guide: (Politely) Excuse me could you keep it down? Oh by the way have you lost a coin? Dad, Sarah and Ben together: YES! Guide: It’s on the frozen pond next to the ice cream truck although I just saw a young boy picking it up.

(Dad, Sarah and Ben dart towards the lake only to see the boy holding the coin.)

Ben: Excuse me little boy could I have my coin back? Boy: MY COIN! NO! (starts to cry and throws the coin away onto the ice)

Scene 2 – The chase is on!

(Sarah, Dad and Ben run over to the pond. Dad steps onto the ice)

Ben and Sarah: Whoa!

(Suddenly the ice breaks…Dad falls in)

Dad: Arghh! (Shivering) Burrr!

Ben and Sarah: Dad are you ok?

Dad: (Climbs out) Woohoo! I got the coin!

(So Ben and Sarah and Dad go the the antique shop together and find out the coin is very old and in a few years will be worth hundreds.)

19 PLAYSCRIPTS – CHECKLIST

 List of characters  Setting – Include adjectives and similes  Name: ( ) ______ Present tense  Colloquialisms – Umm, Errr, Yeah  Vary sentence length  Adverbs – Loudly, Slowly, Shouting  Punctuate to show how things are said - … ! HELP  Show mood through speech – I…I…I saw a g…g…ghost!  Stage directions – (Mum: (Raising her eyebrows) )

INTERVIEWS

Ryan: Hello and welcome to Interview Extra. Tonight I shall be interviewing Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling but first I am interviewing a well known author, an award winning wonder! He has written over 90 bestselling books! Have you guessed who it is yet? YES?! It’s Michael Morpurgo! (Enter Michael)

20 It’s very nice to have you on the show Mr Morpurgo! You look very nice today!

Michael: Thank you and please call me Michael!

Ryan: Thank you. Moving on to my first question, what inspired you to write The Butterfly Lion?

Michael: Well as you know it is set in Africa which is a very beautiful place and the lions who live in Africa too are also very beautiful. So I thought why not combine the two?

Ryan: You have inspired millions of young authors all over the world. How does that feel?

Michael: (sitting back in his chair) Humm…It feels very satisfactory and I am proud of my achievement.

Ryan: So you should be! Do you have any tips for young writers?

Michael: Yes I do. Never give up, keep at it and good luck!

Ryan: (laughing) This is the question everyone is desperate to know! What will your next book be and when will it be in the shops?

Michael: (Cheeks turning red with embarrassment) If I told you that my publishers would kill me! I’ll give you a hint though. It’s about me…

Ryan: Fascinating! (turning to the audience) Do you know what it is? If you do email us at www.interviewextra.com! A few more questions before we finish. Have you experienced any of the feelings shown by your characters?

Michael: Well…Umm…Yes. When I was a child my mother suffered from cancer and my father was away from home a lot so I suffered terrible loneliness.

Ryan: That is very tragic. Did you have a pet to help you get through it all?

Michael: No. We were never allowed pets. Not even fish! I was so lonely. I even thought of running away. Ryan: Last question now. Is it true that you have been in a heavy metal rock band over the past few years?

Michael: No comment! The only time I did that was when I was three with my toy guitar! (laughs)

Ryan: (Laughing) That’s all we have got time for I’m afraid. It’s been great having you on the show Michael.

21 Michael: It’s been great being here!

Ryan: I wish you luck in the future! (To audience) Join me after the break for an interview with Roald Dahl!

INTERVIEW CHECKLIST

 Set out like a play script – Name: (____) ______ Introduce the person you are interviewing – give facts, make them sound good (They have won over 5 awards, their last single went straight to number 1).  Let the audience guess – Have you guessed who it is yet?  Open detailed questions with a comment before them – Your last single was about being broken hearted. Did you choose this feeling because it was something you experienced?  Detailed answers  Vary sentence starters  Use colloquialisms – Yeah…Ummm…  Give the person being interviewed thinking time – Let me think about that one for a minute…  Stage directions – (Sits back is chair stroking chin!) (Laughs)  Variety of punctuation- ( ) ! ? : …  Ask about a personal issue which the person refuses to answer.  Politely refuse to answer a question – No comment. If I answered that my manager would kill me!  Finish by thanking the person for coming and wishing them luck.

CONNECTIVES

But However Although Whereas Nevertheless Furthermore In addition Also Consequently Therefore Meanwhile Nevertheless

22 NARRATIVE

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

When I was 4, which was about 24 years ago in 1982, I was on a barge holiday with my parents, brother and some family friends (oh and the two boxer dogs we had at the time). It was an annual event where we would hire a narrow boat from somewhere just outside Stratford and sail on the canals

23 for a week. Thinking back I can't remember if I enjoyed the holiday or not...but the dogs did!

This particular day we had been out at a gnome sanctuary walking around gardens finding different gnomes dotted about. When it was time to return to the barge we stood on the canal bank ready to get onto the boat.

Being 2 years older than me and a lot more sensible, my brother decided he would run and jump on the narrow boat. As I stood and watched I marveled at the expertise it took to clear the two foot between the land and the barge. Majestically, he took off like an eagle soaring into the sky landing nimbly on his target.

Watching this in awe I begged my mum if I could do the same. Focusing my mind and preparing my body I started my run up from the side of the canal. Nearer...nearer...nearer I got to the edge and...SPLASH! I forgot to jump! Sandwiched between the barge and the land, unable to swim, sinking fast, I saw my life flash in front of my eyes.

The panic and mayhem which went on above the water I don't know about. The next sensation was a sharp tugging on my hair as I was lifted from the water by my Uncle Jimmy.

To this day whenever I see Jimmy (I'm too old to call him 'Uncle' now!) he reminds me of how he saved my life. When I reflect on what happened I now think that yes my Uncle did save my like in a way...however, I think my long hair (which I insisted on as a child) played the most important role!

SIMILES

Weather similes

Thunder beating as loud as an atomic bomb exploding

Lightening flashing down to earth like a meteor hurling down from space.

24 Like an arrow falling from heaven the rain pelted down on the rough, damp ground.

Viciously the rain pelted down like Santa clause landing on my roof, with a sack full of presents.

Furiously rain shot down like a bullet firing from an explosive gun.

Brightly the sun shone like a polished diamond sparkling in the jewelers shop.

Like a burning ball of fire the blazing sun beat down.

The wind came furiously like a witches spell blasting at it’s target.

Suddenly bursts of light lit up the ominous sky like the flash of a camera capturing the explosive excitement of the moment.

Violently the rain pelted against the window like a thousand bullets fired from a gun hurtling towards it’s target.

Blinding rays of sun beat down on the helpless pavement slabs like a laser terrorizing the earth.

A bolt of threatening lightening shot down to earth like a cannon ball catapulting furiously from a cannon.

ALTERNATIVES TO SAID

asked suggested cried warned uttered shouted retorted laughed sniffed hissed continued added interrupted Answered bellowed corrected

25 responded whispered echoed sighed exclaimed replied grunted snapped repeated murmured snapped explained squeaked

If you do use ‘said’, remember to use an adverb either before or after it – use and adverb for the above words too or at the beginning of a sentence!

SAID______

quickly slowly quietly Loudly timidly mischievously deviously Impatiently silently nervously thoughtfully Happily sadly steadily carefully Excitedly seriously furiously firmly Slyly shamelessly sarcastically Miserably Nastily continuously surprisingly suddenly Spitefully truthfully mysteriously Hopefully Certainly cheekily anxiously boldly Joyfully

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Forgetful character Alex (Ryan's dad) was a very forgetful person. Once he even forgot to bring the tickets when they went to Paris for a family holiday. Ryan was fed up of it. So was his mother.

Class clown

26 Jeremy is an extremely excitable boy. He overacts and laughs continuously over every little thing. Mischievously the other day Jerry thought it would be a good idea to let a stink bomb off in the boy’s toilets. Typical Jerry! He never thinks about the consequences to his actions.

Brave character Ash (Laura’s sister) extremely brave. Once he dived majestically in to a reservoir to save a little kitten that was drowning. Laura was so jealous.

Clever ‘Brain box’ Serena was the smartest person in the school. Amazingly she passed her 11+ when she was only 7. When asked a question in class Serena always (without fail) shoots up her hand like a bolt of lightening stabbing the air, never getting the answer wrong.

Mischievous Jack was a very mischievous twin. However his brother was quiet and well behaved unlike Jack! Once he even swapped the sugar for salt and his dad spat his tea out like a dog rampaging for its food.

Mysterious Alice is the most mysterious person I know. As white as a ghost she had walked timidly into the room, no one knew what had happened to her. It seemed like she’d seen a ghost playing basketball. From this day on no one knows what the mystery was.

STORY STARTERS

'MUM!' yelled Tom 'I'm off to school.' 'Be good!' Tom's mum replied. 'As always.' He called back cheekily. Scrambling around for his school bag Tom reached for the door handle to start his journey. Huddling deep into his coat Tom used his hood to shelter from the fat rain drops falling from the sky. It was a miserable day.

27 Trudging through the boggy grass Tom thought about the day that lie ahead. Literacy, Maths, P.E and Circle time, one of the better days. All week Tom had put in 100% in the hope he might receive a certificate in the morning assembly. The cold bit against Tom's cheeks like hundreds of mosquito's biting the tanning bodies bathing in the African sun.

STORY WRITING

A forgetful Character "Dad!" Ryan groaned "Dad get up, the football starts in a minute!" "H..huh? Football?" He replied like a lazy sloth sleeping in the trees. Sadly, with his head down Ryan left the room.

28 Alex (Ryan's dad) was a very forgetful person. Once he even forgot to bring the tickets when they went to Paris for a family holiday. Ryan was fed up of it. So was his mother.

One hour later Alex was up and taking Ryan to football. When they arrived the other boys were already leaving! Quickly, Ryan jumped out of the car to see the coach heading straight for him. Slowly, Alex followed with his head down like his son that very morning.

"You're late Smith!" he growled in a low fierce voice. "I..I...I'm really, really sorry sir!" he told him sounding like a mouse screaming as it ran from a cat. "Well late people don't get a place in the team! Go home and don't come back!" he sneered with an evil grin.

As fast as he could Ryan ran to the car with his dad following him looking like a failure? Alex tried to apologies. "Oh shut up and drive!" was Ryan's reply in the meanest voice you had ever heard. Silently, Alex obeyed and took him home.

As soon as they arrived Ryan shut himself in his room and turned his music up to full volume.

Downstairs Alex was being quizzed by his wife. "What have you done now?" "I forgot his football match and got him fired from the team..." he moaned "I'm such a jerk!" "YOU WHAT?!" she roared "That football meant everything to him!" Alex nodded his head in agreement unable to find the words to make things better.

It took months for Ryan and his mum to speak to Alex again. Until Alex wrote to Leeds United and got Ryan a try out for the under 16 team. Someone suggested to Alex that he wrote things down and from that day on he never forgot anything again. Ryan is now a successful premiership football player and his mum and dad couldn't be happier!

This is an excellent way to revise both recipes and story writing.

The Guide to a Perfect Story

Do you find English hard? Confused by what all the words mean? Not now! All you need to do is follow this easy and simple guide to your future success. Get rid of that black cloud of S.A.T’s that hovers above your head.

29 Ingredients:

 Adverbs – Carefully  Questions – What was it?  D.A.D – ‘Dialogue’, Action, Description  Characters – Quirks – Bossy  Problem  Resolution – Solve the problem  Ending – Reflect on what happens in your story

These elements are essential (not optional).

Method 1. Include a touch of dialogue and surround it with some speech marks. Remember new speaker new line or your story will burn. 2. Secondly, fry up a little action to make your story juicy. Carefully sprinkle some succulent description into your concoction. 3. Adjust your story by adding characters with a pinch of a quirk for maximum effect! Only three characters or there will not be enough room in the pan! 4. Your story will not cook without a dilemma. All you need to do is eigh 1kg of dilemma and your story will rise in the oven. 5. Thoroughly check your work and place (with care) a resolution to add to the magic touch of your story. 6. Grab a mirror and reflect back on what you have written and correct anything necessary. 7. Gently place in the oven and watch your high levels grow and expand!

… THE END

Phew! That’s it!

Good luck with revising! You have worked so hard in Literacy and we are all very proud of your achievements! Do your best and we are sure you will produce some VERY effective and interesting writing.