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Continuous Writing (Essays)
Quick questions on Narrative writing explained: O-Level English
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is shape the plot?Show answer
A story needs a shape, not just a sequence. The reliable shape at O-Level is:
What is show, do not tell?Show answer
"Telling" states a fact or feeling: "She was nervous." "Showing" lets the reader infer it from action, detail and the senses: "She kept smoothing the same crease in her skirt, her eyes fixed on the door." Showing is more engaging because the reader experiences the moment rather than being informed of it. You cannot show everything (some telling moves the story along), but the key emotional beats should be shown.
What is the "and then I woke up" ending?Show answer
Dismissing the whole story as a dream throws away the reader's investment. Resolve the story for real.
What is even pacing?Show answer
Giving trivial moments the same space as the climax flattens the tension. Slow down for the big moments, speed past the small ones.
What is q1?Show answer
Name the four parts of a basic plot arc. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain the difference between showing and telling, with a short example of each. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why varying your pacing improves a story. [2 marks]
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