The Stone Bridge - St Albans School 11+ - 2019
🖼️ Inspiration
Use the image below to inspire a piece of descriptive or narrative (story) writing. Answers not based on the image will be penalised.
💡 Writing Tips
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- Make the stone bridge, stream, hills and dark sky central.
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- Choose either a descriptive piece or a clear story.
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- Use contrasts between bright greenery and threatening clouds.
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- Bring the setting to life through sound and touch.
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- Keep the plot believable within the pictured location.
📝 Sample Answer
The Bridge Before the Rain
The bridge looked as though it had been waiting for centuries. Its weathered stones arched over a narrow river, while bright green hills rose on either side. Above them, thunderclouds gathered like a dark curtain being pulled across the sky.
I had followed the river for an hour, hoping to find the old crossing Grandad had described. Now that I stood before it, I was uncertain whether I should continue. Water hurried beneath the arches, turning silver wherever the last sunlight touched it.
Halfway across, I noticed something caught between two stones in the parapet: a small brass key. I prised it loose. A faded blue ribbon had been tied around its handle, and on the metal were three scratched letters: E. M. W.
The first raindrop struck my wrist. Then another.
On the far bank, almost hidden among the bushes, stood a tiny stone building with a wooden door. Its lock was old and round, exactly the shape of my key.
I hesitated. The air smelled of wet earth, and the river gurgled impatiently below. I could turn back before the storm reached me—or discover why someone had hidden a key on this lonely bridge.
I crossed the last few stones, my shoes tapping sharply against them. Behind me, thunder rumbled. Ahead, the door waited.
Did You Know?
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