Writing: Composition Set 3
Writing: Composition Set 3 is a further set of ISEB Common Entrance style writing tasks, testing narrative and descriptive writing through a new practice task, alongside short questions on vocabulary, sentence construction and punctuation.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Before writing a narrative, plan the shape of the story: a clear opening, a build-up, a climax or turning point, and a satisfying ending.
- Introduce your main character quickly through action or a small, telling detail, rather than a long description before anything happens.
- Build suspense or interest by withholding some information from the reader, so they want to keep reading to find out more.
- Use dialogue sparingly but effectively, since a short, well-chosen line of speech can reveal character or move the plot forward more efficiently than a paragraph of description.
- Vary your paragraph lengths as well as your sentence lengths; a single-sentence paragraph can create real impact at a key moment.
- Check your ending resolves the main tension of the story, or ends on a deliberate, effective note, rather than simply stopping.
Worked example
Write one original simile and one original metaphor describing an old, mysterious door found in a cellar.
- For the simile, choose "like" or "as" and a comparison suited to something old and forgotten, such as a guardian or a secret.
- Draft the simile: "The door stood like a forgotten guardian, silent and unmoving in the dark."
- For the metaphor, describe the door directly as something else, without using "like" or "as".
- Draft the metaphor: "The door was a locked mouth, keeping its secrets sealed inside."
- Check both sentences are grammatically complete and build the mysterious, slightly ominous mood the task requires. Final answer: "The door stood like a forgotten guardian, silent and unmoving in the dark" (simile) and "The door was a locked mouth, keeping its secrets sealed inside" (metaphor).
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Identify whether this sentence is simple, compound or complex: "The map was old and torn."Show answer
Answer: Simple sentence.
Q2Identify whether this sentence is simple, compound or complex: "Dust rose from the floor, and Elias covered his mouth."Show answer
Answer: Compound sentence.
Q3Identify whether this sentence is simple, compound or complex: "Although the handle was rusted solid, the door creaked open at last."Show answer
Answer: Complex sentence.
Q4Write an expanded noun phrase, using at least two describing words, for "the map in the drawer."Show answer
Answer: For example: "the faded, water-stained map in the drawer" (any two well-chosen modifiers).
Q5Rewrite this sentence, replacing the vague capitalised word with a more precise alternative, keeping the meaning: "The cellar was DARK."Show answer
Answer: For example: "The cellar was pitch-black." (any suitably precise, vivid adjective).
Q6Punctuate this line of speech correctly, adding inverted commas and any other punctuation needed, without changing the words: dont go any further whispered grace something isnt right down hereShow answer
Answer: "Don't go any further," whispered Grace, "something isn't right down here."
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 13+ Common Entrance exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Punctuate this paragraph, adding the missing capital letters, apostrophes and other punctuation: the childrens torch flickered once then died elias grabbed his sisters hand
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You are going to write the opening of a short story called "The Hidden Door". In about 60 to 90 words, write an opening paragraph that builds a clear sense of curiosity and leaves the reader wanting to know what happens next.
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State three techniques a writer might use to introduce a mysterious object, such as an old map or a locked door, so that it feels important to the story.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the writing: composition set 3 worksheet pack - 13 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 27 of 13+ English Workbook, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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