Exam Preparation

Today, I'd like to take some time to go over the original compositions with you.

Here is part of an example of a stronger piece (narrative).

I fell awake that morning, sliding from my bed in a cacophony of sound. My head throbbing, I clumsily made my way to the small closet my landlord dared to call a shower, each step heralding a new crescendo of stabbing pain in the aft of my eyes. I shampooed away the sorrows of the morning until the pain receded for my mind, I felt much better — I finally felt presentable.

Garbing myself, I gazed out the one apartment window and saw the rusty excuse for a car my friend had loaned me. “It has to be Saturday,” I had told him, “the buses aren't running, I simply must use your car — there's no other way”. I remembered being met by the same discontent as always. “It's an offer I can't refuse. This story, this one last article will be the one.” He had, of course, heard this many a time before, yet after the usual groans he gave up and let me borrow it for the morning.

I worked a depressing job for a local newspaper. In an age where everything was electronic no one bothered to buy our editorials, so it was my job to help the agency branch out. Rebranding, they called it. In an attempt to generate public appeal the powers that be decided that what everyone wanted to know was how to be successful, how to be happy. Of course, in order to be happy, you must first be rich. In my infinite wisdom, I applied for the job, not wanting to waste the opportunity — writing positions were few and far between. So began the never-ending task of interviewing the 1% and uncovering the key to happiness.

Today’s address was unusual, far from the mansions of Coast View where my interviews usually took place. Down winding alleys I drove, past decrepit stores selling derelict dreams, carried forth only by determined fumes and the stubborn conviction that this interview might finally be my last.

You will have the opportunity to work on either a stand alone, synthesis or original composition today.

Literary Terms Quiz