- This topic has 184 replies, 12 voices, and was last updated December 19, 2024 by
.
-
Posts
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 1
In today’s lesson we began our work on 11+ writing, focusing today on character creation and how to focus on one key character in an exam. We started the lesson with some metaphor work to enable the students to practice and expand upon their use of figurative language. We then moved on to thinking about the structure of these lessons where every week we will be dissecting and studying a different piece of 11+ writing advice written by an 11+ examiner. Today we thought about how to use character archetypes, backstory, ideas regarding a character’s flaws and morality and thoughts on their character arc to create realistic, memorable and complex characters. We then considered how these characters could express themselves within the stories they inhabit, thinking about dialogue and the function it plays there. Amazing work today everyone- so many great ideas! Keep up the wonderful work and I’ll see you next week! 🙂
Video on dialogue that we watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xx7bfcE9U0
A video on character from the same series that could be really helpful revision (watch if you have a spare 5 mins!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGRyP3p-YPI
Homework
-
hi Beth
should i do this paper again because i have already done it and i go to the school who created this paper which is Magdalen college school so i will just do the task i didn’t do
from lucas
-
-
-
-
-
Hi Beth,
Please ignore the previous document, which was wrongly attached.
This is correct one.
Many Thanks,
Jasmine -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
As the radiant moon glared at the ship harshly with its elusive light, the Esperanza was lightly bobbing on the dazzling diamond surface of the calm oceans. Midnight was approaching gently yet fast paced.
It was another tedious day of laboriously chopping up potatoes. Jemima was sharpening her cut blade carefully and determinedly polishing it opal clear. You could almost see her crooked grin. After she performed this nightly ritual, she flung her glossy brown hair back and twist a hair tie quickly on. She clambered cautiously into her long, flowing night gown and then swiftly blew out the candle next to her mattress.
Next day, Jemima arose to the sound of pitter pattering feet up ahead. She dressed into a vest and pants almost immediately and tugged on a white skirt. She eloped upstairs to find everybody doing their job and happily greeting one another. Jemima secretly went from the back to catch a better glimpse of what was happening when suddenly … BANG! The bottom part of the ship burst up and then gave an almighty POP! Everyone panicked like a damsel in distress and leapt like chickens overboard. Jemima knew what had happened. The gunpowder in the magazine had exploded! The cooking boy must have let a fuse go all the way and then..
Everything went black.
When she woke up, the sun was gleaming in her eyes and someone was whispering in her ear “The Esperanza’s blown up.”
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 2
In today’s lesson we continued our work on 11+ writing, focusing today on the examiner advice “base your story around one main plot event”. Working from this basis, we completed work on the definition and nature of plot, thinking about the seven archetypes and practicing using them in the context of an exam paper. We then moved on to thinking about how to use the unexpected to create originality from within these archetypes, crucial in building authentic, gripping and interesting plot lines, and which the class used beautifully to come up with some unique and original ideas for stories. Great work today everyone, very well done for all your creative and imaginative story planning and ideas. See you next week 🙂
Video on plot archetypes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGLXQM74oME&t=81s
Homework
-
Dear Beth,
Here is my homework.
I really enjoyed learning about the different types of plot.
Jasmine -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
We hurtled through the dark, mountain formed tunnels in our heavily packed camper van. The sounds of the road rattled in our ears as we bounced on our seats. We were on the way to see aunty Lota. She is possibly the nicest person ever and I was thrilled to go and see her. The fact that we had to very rarely see her didn’t bother us at all. We had loaded me and my four brothers onto the van with a few packs of gum for the rising altitude on the bumpy road. It takes such a long time I packed my ruffled comics, needy stitching and my raisins. I could live like this, as long as my brothers didn’t so terribly irritate me.
As soon as I saw aunty’s little house, I basically dropped my jaw. She had changed it so simplistically yet so stylishly you couldn’t even see the difference. Little bonsai trees here and there, a drop of gleaming camellias and best of all, the garden gave me a sense that a prick of honeydew had been cheerfully set upon the scene.
That week I went to the movies with aunt, indulged some giant toffees and got a dozen different dresses. One checked, one spotted. All too soon it was time to go. I waved my hand and drove away. I looked back and saw the glossy images of joy being inked upon our hazy hearts.
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 3
In today’s lesson we continued our work on 11+ writing, focusing today on the examiner advice “use sophisticated structure”. Working from this basis, we covered a lot of ground thinking about how structure is both small scale (sentence structure, paragraph structure, punctuation, grammar etc.) and large scale (plot structure, openings and endings etc.). We analysed an extract from Pepys’ diary for structural features, studied juxtaposition and spoke about why structuring a short story is particularly important. We considered the idea of story-writing being an exercise in architecture and spoke briefly about complex punctuation and how to use it to interesting effect (i.e. using dashes in a character’s speech to suggest anxiety “I- I- um- I guess not…” or using long sentences with lots of commas to increase the pace of the action). The class did brilliantly today, taking on board lots of complicated ideas with a fantastic focus and creative thinking. Amazing work class, well done and keep it up 🙂
Homework video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv5bPHwihl8&t=176s
Juxtaposition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KXVPS3FYkQ
There are punctuation revision sheets on the PowerPoint to help you too!
Homework
-
Summary for Lesson 4
In today’s lesson we focused on figurative language, following the examiner’s advice about using it carefully and thinking about how to expand our knowledge of more high level techniques. We started by completing work on metaphor, discussing how to allude to certain connotations and link two otherwise unrelated topics with figurative language (i.e., insects and the eyes). We then moved on to thinking about the purpose of figurative language and the students completed work on three high-level advanced techniques: allusion, allegory and motif. Wonderful ideas today everyone, particularly with your figurative writing earlier on in the class; well done & have a lovely week! 🙂
Khan Academy video we watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzKj-bLvrYQ
Homework
-
-
-
to Beth
please find my writing attached in a word doc
from Lucas
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-wrapper” style=”position: fixed; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 100vw; height: 100vh; overflow: hidden; pointer-events: none; z-index: 9999;”>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 75px; top: 193px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 84px; top: 193px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 95px; top: 193px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 104px; top: 193px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 110px; top: 197px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 111px; top: 201px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 109px; top: 204px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 104px; top: 203px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 104px; top: 198px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 76px; top: 136px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 47px; top: 70px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 32px; top: 30px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 32px; top: 30px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 32px; top: 31px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 28px; top: 46px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 24px; top: 74px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 24px; top: 81px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 24px; top: 93px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 23px; top: 99px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 18px; top: 125px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 11px; top: 155px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 11px; top: 181px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 72px; top: 188px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 73px; top: 191px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
<div class=”jso-cursor-trail-shape” style=”position: absolute; left: 73px; top: 192px; pointer-events: none; display: none;”></div>
</div> -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Hi Beth,</p>
Thanks for the interesting lesson. My technique what allusions.Jasmine
-
-
-
-
-
-
I silently trekked up the corridor, dimly lit and suspicious. I clutched my magical charm, almost wishing to come out of this horrendous abyss. My head was like a whirl-wind. Would I defeat the ‘Esmo’ or be crunched into pieces? Would I even come out again? As I approached the arena, my forehead was as wet as a pool. Large drops fell down on my ripped, massacred and scorched skirt.
One thought passed briefly through my mind. Surely my sword would protect me but now, thoughts or even dreams were useless. However tired I was I had to fight. I summoned – like a Genie- all the drips of energy and valiantly left in me. I thrust up my fists but at that very moment the ‘Esmo’ arrived…
It was large and menacing , its hair fire – ashes from hell. Its claws were enough to make a man shriek. Its teeth were decaying, slugs in a mouth. It was as tall as five grown men standing on each others heads but most mortifying were the fallen angels wings. Then the battle started…
The beast was infinitely worse than smog. It swung me around mercilessly, apprising of my torture and agony. I was like a football, being tossed by a towering brute. Just then, when I was almost dying my sword sprung out to save me. At that, the beast snarled out defiantly, but it was too late…
My righteous sword had sliced the beast, its black shrivelled heart had gone forever. Suddenly, the harsh sun beating down on us stopped, and a colourful fountain eroded in its place.
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 5
In today’s class we focused on thinking creatively, looking at methods and tactics that the students can use to help them ‘think outside the box’. We began with our work on metaphor before moving on to the criteria attached to this week’s paper that advised the students of what the examiner was expecting from their work. We then began planning a story as suggested by the exam prompt. The students then had to take their story and morph it, using several advanced narrative devices (unreliable narrator, breaking the 4th wall, perspective of an innocent) to make their writing a little more unusual. They then had to think about writing constraints such as writing in future tense, 2nd person or backward to help push their imagination even futher. Everyone worked gorgeously today and came up with some really fantastically creative responses- lovely ideas and brainstorming guys. I can’t wait to read your responses! 🙂
Writing Constraints Ideas: https://medium.com/writers-on-writing/constraints-in-creativity-are-they-a-good-thing-30720b182222
Homework
-
Hi Beth,
There is my homework for lesson 5. Journeys are so fun to write!
I got slightly carried away an wrote a little too much, but couldn’t find a way to edit it.
Jasmine 😀
-
-
-
-
Marianne took to piano like an eagle takes to the sky. Everyone thought she would quit within the month. She didn’t. They knew her work was 24/7 as it was hard, gruelling practice, no time spare for rest.
The keyboard seemed alien to the touch, something plucked out of a mythical tale. Marianne thought to herself “I can learn this!” forbidding bad emotions towards the piano in her concentrated, focused, brilliant mind.
Each mistake, each falter was a new step towards achieving her dream and whilst others thought it useless Marianne treasured her learning like an emperor treasured his gems (You get the idea, don’t you?).
Day by day, week by week, Marianne grew stronger and stronger at piano until it became her rock, her ally to step on faster and faster. A change started to show. At school, a quieter, more focused child. In music class, her better scales and rhythm amazed the teachers. Nobody noticed but Marianne was improving (you imagine this, I assume).
After the magic started, Marianne played perfectly, not a single mistake to be found. No longer a feeble pawn to the piano, but the piano was her brick, her foundation to greatness. She cherished her gift like a candy apple in autumn.
So you can see here that practice makes perfect. Never give up, try your hardest to achieve whatever it is you’re doing.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 6
In today’s lesson we looked at the notion of writing with ‘economy of language’, in other words, spending your words wisely and thinking about how to pack a lot of meaning into only a few words or sentences. We began with our weekly work on metaphor which everyone is making leaps and bounds of progress with (well done guys!) and then moved on to discussing the importance of economy of language and what the term means in practice. We analysed a passage from Tennessee Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire, considering the ways in which symbolism was used to give the class strong and powerful impressions of the character Blanche. We then considered the writing exercise based upon Hemingway’s famous six-word story (for sale: baby shoes. never worn) which the class used as inspiration to write their own fantastic versions. Really great work today everyone, very well done for the depth and nuance of your work today- keep it up and see you next week 🙂
Homework
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
<p style=”text-align: right;”></p>
TrappedEveryone says life is full of choices – but not for everyone. Can you decide whether you get good grades or not ? I don’t particularly think so. I say that life is neither good or bad but a kind of single step to get what you most desire. Mostly, it’s usually hard work and discipline. One misstep and you are a failure. It can be quite shocking for most people but for me it’s been like this my whole life. Bad grades from the very start- primary, secondary and currently university. Adults simply love to say, “oh, it’s fine Bella, you”ll learn” but what I think they don’t understand is that that was their life, not mine.
True, for most it’s an easy trial to pass. It’s a fountain of good work and pride for them. However, for people like me I believe it’s hopeless. No matter how hard I try, it’s the same EVERY SINGLE TIME!! Compared to these who breathe in the aroma of pleasures at school for me it’s just a pure stench of work heaved on my shoulders. Not only that, the teachers don’t even try to help you. They leave you to stress and work it out yourself. Funnily enough, the students who get A+ in whatever they are learning are being massively tutored and prepared for, and it’s so unfair. Some kids don’t even have enough money to pay off the room they are staying in. That’s doesn’t really happen to me, but I still decimal down in learning. I seriously cannot wait to get out of here and get a life out there…
-
-
Dear Beth,
Thanks for the lesson.
I loved all the test prompts, but I chose trapped.Thanks,
Jasmine
: D -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 7
In today’s lesson we completed our lesson of the course on persuasive writing. We focused on the examiner tip ‘have an opinion’, speaking about why it is important to position yourself as an authoritative voice when writing persuasively and not to sit on the fence. We went on to speak about tone and the importance of matching your tone to your content, why awareness of audience is crucial and how to structure a piece of persuasive writing for the 11+. Finally we drew up a ‘road map’ to follow in exams, outlining the process of approaching a question such as the ones on this week’s exam paper. Wonderful work from the class today- they were full of great ideas and shared some fantastic ideas- great job everyone! 🙂
Changing minds video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58jHhNzUHm4
Homework
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Harry Potter changes your perspective as it is all about friendship, coming of age and good versus evil. It also interprets difference and uniqueness (Harry’s scar!). When I first started reading, I simply thought of meh. Magic and wizards. But then I realised that there was deeper than the surface. It all meant something more, each page I turned. After a week or so, I fully understood what was happening here, that it wasn’t as tedious/long-lasting as I thought.
Not only is it that, it is just about the most hilarious story ever. I chuckled when some of the characters were quirkier or funnier than others. I vividly remember Ron’s peculiar transforming spells or how Hermione shouted at Ron disappearing from them. Literary Moaning Myrtle is the weirdest, wackiest ghost I had met in the book. The way she meets Harry in the bathtub or tells him that if he dies, she has a spare cubicle for him. They make me roll of in laughter of bursts of giggles.I think Harry Potter excels in adventure -5/5- because it has so many different stories things exploding in the story all at once. In the 1st book, we are introduced to so many things. Harry’s an orphan, his aunt, uncle and cousin are the groggiest people alive and that he is a wizard, (along with the fact that he is being followed by an evil demon/ wizard) and that he will attend a wizard school. I was completely lost on the whole confusion, I seriously didn’t know where to begin.
Thus, to summarise, Harry Potter is a lovable, interactive story, brimming with information. I love the way it’s funny yet intelligent, gruesome yet an adventure. It will remain my favorite book of all times and I hope more stories like this are written.
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 8
In today’s lesson we completed our eighth session on 11+ writing, focusing on the prompt ‘take inspiration’ to help us think about how to inspire different forms and styles of writing. We began by discussing the authors that the class take inspiration from, thinking about what it was about each writer that inspired them and what they would borrow from their writing to use in their own. We then discussed how important choosing the right language can be and considered why more flashy words are not always better, and that it is important to focus on the connotations of language first and foremost. Finally, we looked at an extract from Holes, analysing the writer’s style and thinking about how to use that analysis to continue the story, as in an 11+ exam. Everyone worked beautifully today and were full of energetic ideas and interesting contributions. Amazing work everyone- keep it up and I’ll see you soon 🙂
I’ve put two options for this week’s homework. You can either do the one attached as a PDF or the one in the link below:
Call of the Wild Paper. The question is “Continue this story. What do you think happens next? Remember to consider the writing style and how to match it.”: https://www.highgateschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/English-11-Sample-Paper-A.pdf
The other paper you can choose is attached as a PDF
Homework
-
-
-
Hi Beth,
I’m sorry. I just realised that I forget to post my HW for last week’s lesson.
Thanks
Jasmine -
-
-
-
-
-
-
My eyes flickered like a burning-out candle. The illuminating sun blinded me, and as I rose from my bed, I knew something was wrong. I stood up, not noticing my sheets slip off my resting place. I felt much lighter than usual. I clammily lifted up my hands, but instead of warm, pinky fingers I saw stick like arms, and no, it wasn’t my imagination. It was reality.
Inside myself I screeched, yowled and cried out in anguish. “What have I done to deserve this god ? I’m only 10, please stop.”
You know the question was what would I say to my family? Tell my parents I’m sick and stay in? Or face the new day and tell everyone I was a deformed, ugly firefly! I did not say this for no reason – my figure was (truthfully) in a terrible state. Crumpled, transparent wings and long elastic-like legs. My body was a round, oval shape, puffed up like a tiny puffer fish. Yet, even now, I couldn’t decide what to do. I can’t very well walk to breakfast and announce – hey guys, guess what! I’m your daughter. No chance. My parents would kill the fly unsuspecting that they just murdered their OWN DAUGHTER!
Well, I guess it’s a shocking life folks. I should cannon ball that idea out the window. I think I’ll go with plan 2. I fluttered out my open window, and at that moment I saw a burst of red and yellow and orange. All the colours that reminded me of the earlier years. My memory flooded, and right then I thought that being a fly wasn’t so terrible as I had thought.
Right after that, beautiful piece of scenery, I felt a tinkling buzz on me and what a surprise met me! My very own nightlight ! Well then, I thought, let’s go for a morning walk. As I fluttered on, I saw a whole other bunch of little lights emerging. Other fireflies. They were the loveliest clan ever. We communicated in our own bizarre way, but we managed. I was so inevitably happy, I thought that fireflies RULE! I enjoyed it far more than talking and nourished it like a Sunday in spring. I will always remember that fateful morning.
-
-
Hello Beth,
Here is my homework for lesson 8.
I like the lesson. Thinking about what inspires us in particular.
Thanks
Jasmine -
-
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 9
Sorry everyone, my summary didn’t upload! In today’s class we completed our writer’s workshop, thinking about how to up-level our work. We revised the 11+ skills we have learned so far, digging into what can help the students from now until the exam, and self-evaluated, thinking about areas of improvement and how to continue growing as writers. The class completed an 11+ writing task thinking about their strengths and areas to improve, using these to guide them in writing some really exciting snap pieces. Finally we had a Q&A addressing any final exam related questions before next week. Well done everyone, good luck with revision and I’ll see you Thursday 🙂
Homework
-
Alone
At the end of a school day, I rushed up to my mother, expecting her to embrace me in a hug. Yet, she didn’t. She kept on scrolling through her phone like a mindless drone. She did not notice me. I shouted at her, but she didn’t look down. I hit her hand, thinking she would say, “Why did you do that?” At this moment, I got really impatient and actually pinched her. Hard. This time, she turned around and hit me violently. I thought, *I’ll never hit her again.* She dragged me home, slammed the door, and shoved me inside.
I sipped tea silently, finishing off my homework, wondering about the day’s events. Why had she not noticed me? I thought, *I’m her daughter.* Maybe Dad would be home soon now. As I crept into the hall to put my homework away in my bag, I heard the bell ring. *Dad! Mum!* But no. I stood by the door and saw him having a call with one of his colleagues, his charcoal-coloured coat bobbing behind him. Dad swung his bag onto the banister and bulleted upstairs like a rocket. I was thinking it was just a coincidence, but how wrong I was, I found out. Mum had been perfectly normal this morning, happily making a breakfast of potato waffles for me. I simply couldn’t believe how she had been a couple of hours ago. Then again, maybe she was just tired. Even though she just looked bored when she picked me up.
I waited alone in bed, reading *A Tale of Two Cities.* The events about the war between rich and poor. For me, it was war between me and my parents. I closed it, weary, and sat in bed, counting the seconds to when Mum had to tuck me in. Maybe she’d be happy now, calmer, and would tuck and kiss me on the nose and leave. Yet even so, it seemed years till she came. When I was thinking to just go to sleep, Dad entered, and instead of “Goodnight sweetheart,” he said, “What on earth are you doing?”
“I was just waiting for Mum to tuck me in.”
Then he angrily said, “Don’t be a baby! You can sleep by yourself!” And with that, he slammed the door behind me. I held back tears, though the dribbled down and then I stared up at my ceiling…
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Summary for Lesson 10
In today’s class we had our mock exam, which the class completed beautifully. Very impressive work everyone, I look forward to reading all your pieces! You’ve been fantastic over the past ten weeks, well done for all your diligence and great ideas and I will see you in Jan. Have a lovely holiday season; you should all be proud of your writing 🙂
Homework
-
Dear Beth,
I’ve enjoyed the classes very much.
Have a Merry Christmas and see you next in the new year!
From Ethan
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dear Beth,
Merry Christmas, and I wish you have a spectacular new year.
This is my mock.
Thanks
Jasmine -
-
-
-
-
-
HI Beth,
Olivia’s Mock seems show on the wk9 lesson, just in case you missed. I re-attached here. thanks!
Best Regards,
Annie C.
-
-
-
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.