6 Ways to Write Grade 9 Stories with Full Mark Example (Mr Salles)

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker shares their experience taking the Ed XL 2.0 exam, focusing on the choice between writing a descriptive or narrative response. They advocate for storytelling, highlighting the importance of structure over vocabulary. Through their own story about a young woman's journey of self-discovery and coming out to her mother, they illustrate effective narrative techniques like contrast, flashback, and metaphor. The narrative culminates in a powerful twist revealing the mother's own bisexuality, showcasing how personal identity can shape relationships and perceptions. The speaker emphasizes that compelling storytelling can earn top marks in exams.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of storytelling over descriptive writing in exams.
• 😀 Having multiple story plans can overwhelm students; focusing on a few strong ones is more effective.
• 😀 Metaphors and similes can effectively convey emotions and themes without needing complex vocabulary.
• 😀 Structure is critical in storytelling; contrasts, flashbacks, and circular narratives enhance engagement.
• 😀 The opening scene introduces key characters (Becky and Gemma) and sets the thematic focus on identity.
• 😀 Contrasts between Becky and her mother reflect differing perspectives on identity and acceptance.
• 😀 Flashbacks are used to provide context and depth to Becky’s character and her journey of self-discovery.
• 😀 The narrative explores the challenges of coming out, highlighting familial relationships and acceptance.
• 😀 The twist at the end reveals Gemma's bisexuality, adding complexity to the mother-daughter dynamic.
• 😀 Overall, the speaker's writing showcases how well-structured narratives can earn high marks in exams.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's story in the exam?

The main focus of the speaker's story is about a character named Becky and her experience with identity, particularly her sexuality, symbolized by her desire for a pair of blue Doc Martin boots.

Why does the speaker prefer writing stories over descriptions for the exam?

The speaker believes that storytelling allows for deeper exploration of themes and character development, which they find more engaging and effective than mere descriptive writing.

What structural techniques does the speaker emphasize in their storytelling?

The speaker emphasizes using contrast, flashbacks, and circular structure to enhance the storytelling experience and create tension.

How does the speaker illustrate the use of contrast in the story?

The speaker contrasts Becky’s vibrant personality and her mother's struggles with divorce, highlighting their differing experiences and perceptions throughout the narrative.

What is the significance of metaphors and similes in the speaker's writing?

The speaker uses metaphors and similes to convey emotions and character experiences without explicit description, believing these literary devices are sufficient to showcase writing skills.

What role do flashbacks play in the narrative?

Flashbacks provide insight into Becky’s character and her journey of self-discovery, showcasing her past experiences in netball and rugby that shape her identity.

How does the speaker address the theme of sexuality in the story?

The speaker addresses sexuality through Becky's internal conflicts and her eventual realization, culminating in a symbolic connection with her mother regarding the blue Doc Martin boots.

What does the speaker suggest about planning stories in advance?

The speaker suggests that having multiple story plans can be overwhelming for students, advocating for a more manageable approach with just a few well-developed ideas.

What is the intended impact of the story's ending?

The ending aims to create a moment of recognition and understanding between Becky and her mother, revealing Gemma's own bisexuality and thereby adding depth to the narrative.

How does the speaker's personal experience influence their storytelling?

The speaker draws on personal experiences and interests, such as sports and identity exploration, to create a rich narrative that resonates with authenticity and relatability.