Writing task
SECTION B: EXTENDED WRITING
You should spend 30 minutes on this section.
You are reminded of the importance of clear and accurate written English and of careful presentation in your answer. All questions carry equal marks.
2. “My brain was idle in a dream of history”. Write a story that begins with these words.
[25 marks]
Practise this exact question with personalised feedback on your writing.
Understand the task
A Dream of History Comes Alive is a historical fantasy narrative task that tests historical setting, imagery, plot. Make the transition into the historical world clear, then concentrate on one credible encounter.
- historical setting
- imagery
- plot
- consistent voice
Requirements to keep in mind
Recommended writing time: approximately 30 minutes (as indicated in the paper/section); Writing marks: 25 (subject to separately awarded SPaG marks); Published task/option: 2 (where the source offers alternatives, pupils answer the paper's specified number, not all)
Plan your response
- Make the transition into the historical world clear, then concentrate on one credible encounter.
- Plan a clear beginning, development and ending within the time available.
- Use precise vocabulary and vary sentence lengths where appropriate.
- Proofread spelling, punctuation and paragraphing before finishing.
Check your response against the task requirements. Leave time to review sentence clarity, punctuation and spelling.
Short atoply teaching example
Written by atoply, not an official school answer or mark scheme. This short illustration shows selected techniques. It does not set a target length or expected mark for the timed task.
Reveal example and teaching notes
My brain was idle in a dream of history. The museum was almost empty when I sat beside the Roman display. The labels blurred as I closed my eyes. Somewhere nearby a hammer rang against stone, and when I looked up, the glass cabinets had vanished. I was standing in a sunlit courtyard surrounded by people carrying baskets and clay jars. A boy my age held out a scroll and spoke in a language I did not understand. The distant rumble of a cart shook the ground. I looked towards the gate and saw soldiers marching beneath a red banner. Suddenly the past no longer felt safely behind me.
Learn from the example
- The example focuses on one situation, keeping the action easy to follow. Notice how a detail, action or decision moves that situation forward.
- Use the task's requirements to plan the development and ending of your own response; an opening alone does not demonstrate a complete story arc.