creative writing describing a market

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How to Describe a Market in a Story

By A.W. Naves

Are you writing a chapter set in a busy market? Make it vivid by using the tips below on how to describe a market in a story. We’ve included 10 adjectives that you use.

1. Bustling

Lively, busy ; full of activity and energy.

“The market was bustling with vendors and shoppers, all haggling for the best deals.”

“The bustling market was so infectious that you couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement.”

How it Adds Description

The word “bustling” suggests that the market is crowded with people, vendors, and goods, all in a constant state of motion. It can create a feeling of chaos or suspense as the characters navigate through the crowds to reach their destination or it can serve as a backdrop for an important event or conversation between characters.

2. Colorful

Vibrant, vivid ; full of bright colors and hues.

“The market was a riot of color , with vendors selling fruits and vegetables in every shade.”

“The colorful displays of merchandise and goods were a feast for the eyes.”

The word “colorful” implies that the market is full of different types of people, goods, and experiences. It suggests that the market could be home to unsavory characters or illegal activities that foreshadow a pivotal scene in the story where a character faces a challenge or obstacle that must be overcome.

3. Traditional

Classic, old-fashioned ; keeping with long-established customs or practices.

“The market was filled with traditional crafts and goods, made by skilled artisans using age-old techniques.”

“The traditional foods on offer at the market were a throwback to an earlier time.”

The word “traditional” suggests that the market has been established for a long time and adheres to customary or historical practices. It implies a sense of familiarity, consistency, and reliability, and may connote a slower pace of change or resistance to innovation. It may emphasize a sense of nostalgia or loss if the market is being threatened by outside forces or changing times.

Loud, raucous ; full of shrill sounds and commotion.

“The market was noisy with the sounds of vendors shouting and people bargaining for deals.”

“The noisy market could sometimes be an assault on the senses.”

The word “noisy” insinuates that shoppers are talking loudly, vendors are calling out to potential customers, and various sounds of merchandise being sold can be heard. It can create a sense of tension or chaos in the scene or reveal something about the character’s personality or perspective, such as if they find the noise overwhelming or energizing.

Unusual, unfamiliar ; not of native origin.

“The market was filled with exotic spices and fruits from far-off lands.”

“The exotic textiles and fabrics on display were unlike anything I had ever seen before.”

The word “exotic” suggests that the items being sold there are unusual. This can create a sense of intrigue and interest in the market, as well as imply that the characters in the story may be exposed to new and exciting experiences. The market might also be used as a source of valuable items or information that the characters need to progress in a quest or to solve a mystery.

6. Aromatic

Fragrant, perfumed ; full of pleasant smells.

“The spices and herbs at the market were aromatic , wafting through the air and tantalizing the senses.”

“The aromatic odor of freshly baked bread filled the market, drawing in buyers with its delicious scent.”

The word “aromatic” is often used to describe the pleasant, distinctive smell of certain foods, spices, and herbs. It creates a sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to imagine the scents and flavors of the various products being sold. This can help to create a sense of atmosphere and set the scene for the action that is to come.

7. Multicultural

Diverse, varied ; reflecting different cultures and ethnicities.

“The market was a multicultural hub of activity, with vendors and shoppers from all over the world.”

“The multicultural atmosphere of the market was a celebration of diversity and inclusivity.”

The word “multicultural” indicates that the market in the story is diverse and includes people from many different backgrounds. This can lead to interesting encounters, conflicts, or collaborations between those who visit the market. It may also suggest that the story will touch on themes of cultural identity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Loud, thunderous ; full of busy sounds.

“The market was a noisy cacophony of sounds with shoppers haggling and chatting.”

“The noisy atmosphere of the market was a reflection of its lively and bustling character.”

The word “noisy” conveys a sense of chaos, commotion, and activity. It can be used to show a character who is trying to navigate through a crowded market to reach a specific stall, or trying to eavesdrop on a conversation to gather information with the noise and activity making it more difficult for them to find their way. This can add depth and texture to the story.

9. Eclectic

Diverse, varied ; combining elements from a variety of sources.

“The market was an eclectic mix of goods from around the world, with vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to exotic spices.”

“The eclectic atmosphere of the market was a testament to its diversity and inclusivity.”

The word “eclectic” describes a market that is composed of a diverse range of items, styles, or sources. It suggests that the market is not just a typical place to buy goods, creating opportunities for the plot to develop in unexpected ways, such as the character discovering an important clue, meeting a key character, or encountering a major obstacle.

10. Organic

Natural, unprocessed ; grown or produced without synthetic chemicals.

“The market was a haven for organic produce, with farmers selling fresh fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides or other chemicals.”

“The organic market was a welcome break from the processed and packaged foods found in most grocery stores.”

The word “organic” suggests that the products sold at a market are natural and wholesome. It conveys themes of health, sustainability, and consumerism in a story. A character seeking healthy food options or trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle might be drawn to the organic market as a source of high-quality, environmentally friendly products.

How To Describe A Crowded Place In Writing (21 Best Tips & Examples)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve need to write about crowds and crowded places in my stories.

Here is how to describe a crowded place in writing:

Describe a crowded place in writing by focusing on sensory details, emotions, and diverse interactions. Use vivid adjectives, metaphors, and sensory descriptions to convey the atmosphere, energy, and individuality in the crowd.

In this guide, you’ll learn all 21 of the most unique and creative ways to describe a crowded place in your stories.

Capturing the Atmosphere: Conveying the Energy and Mood of a Crowded Place

Table of Contents

To vividly portray the atmosphere in a crowded place, it is essential to focus on sensory details.

Describe how bustling bodies create an orchestra of sounds, like murmurs mingling with laughter and footsteps echoing through the space.

The aroma in such places can be overpowering – from mouthwatering food scents wafting by to sweat mixing with perfumes.

Paint a picture of the constant movement within a crowded place.

Detail how people weave through each other like dancers on a stage or cars maneuvering through heavy traffic. Capture their varied expressions – excited smiles, furrowed brows, or determined looks as they push forward towards their destination.

Highlight the contrasting emotions that exists side-by-side in these settings; joyous celebrations coexist with quiet moments of solitude as people carve out pockets for themselves amidst chaos.

his contrast adds depth to your descriptions and allows readers to fully understand both the energy and mood present in crowded places.

• Use descriptive language that appeals to multiple senses.
• Compare movements within a crowd to familiar images (e. g., ballet dancers or busy traffic).
• Show different emotions coexisting simultaneously for added dimension.
• Vary sentence structure and length for flow and readability.
• Use metaphors sparingly but effectively when describing crowds (e. g., “like bees buzzing around a hive”).

Painting with Words: Using Descriptive Language to Portray a Crowded Place

To effectively describe a crowded place in writing, it’s crucial to use descriptive language that evokes vivid imagery.

Start by painting the scene with colorful adjectives and adverbs. For example, instead of saying “the park was crowded,” you could say “the bustling park overflowed with people of all ages, their laughter echoing through the air.”

This not only conveys the idea of a crowded place but also gives readers a sense of the atmosphere and liveliness.

Next, focus on using sensory details to bring your description to life. Describe how the crowd sounds, smells, and feels.

You might mention “the cacophony of chattering voices” or “the aroma of sizzling street food wafting through the air.”

Additionally, consider incorporating tactile descriptions such as “shoulder-to-shoulder contact” or “a constant jostle among strangers.”

By carefully selecting descriptive words and appealing to readers’ senses, you can transport them into the chaotic yet exciting world of a crowded place without overwhelming them with too much information at once.

Keep paragraphs concise and straightforward so as not to lose their attention amidst the buzz!

Sensory Overload: Describing the Sights, Sounds, and Smells of a Crowded Place

Immersing oneself in a crowded place can be an assault on the senses.

The sights alone are overwhelming – a sea of people moving hurriedly, their colorful clothes blending together in a blur. Neon signs flicker and flash overhead while towering buildings cast long shadows that create a sense of claustrophobia.

The soundscape is equally chaotic.

Conversations merge into one indistinguishable hum, punctuated by bursts of laughter or raised voices trying to be heard above the cacophony. Music blares from storefronts, intermixed with sirens wailing in the distance and car horns blaring impatiently.

As your nose takes in the smells surrounding you, it becomes apparent why crowded places have such distinct odors.

Stale sweat mingles with perfume and cologne as bodies press tightly together.

Vendors’ stalls emit enticing aromas – sizzling hot dogs coated in mustard, sugary pastries wafting through the air like sweet promises.

In this world where every step brings new stimuli, describing the sensory overload experienced within a crowded place requires attention to detail and evocative language that transports readers directly into its midst.

The Dance of Movement: Depicting the Flow and Bustle of a Crowded Place

In a crowded place, every step becomes part of a delicate dance, choreographed by the ebb and flow of human movement.

People sway this way and that, their bodies navigating through tight spaces with graceful precision.

A symphony of footsteps fills the air as strangers brush past each other in an elaborate ballet.

The space pulses with energy, an electrifying atmosphere that crackles with anticipation.

Conversations blend together into a cacophony of voices, rising above them all is the steady hum of activity. It is impossible to ignore the vibrant rhythm that reverberates through every corner.

Glimpses caught are mere snapshots frozen in time – faces flicker by before disappearing into the melee once more.

Each individual seems consumed by their own mission or purpose; urgency etched upon their expressions as they dart from one point to another in this sea of humanity. Yet amidst this chaos lies an intriguing harmony – an orchestrated chaos where unity emerges from diversity.

Emotional Impact: Reflecting the Feelings and Reactions within Crowded Places

Crowded places can evoke a range of emotions in individuals.

The sheer volume of people bustling about creates an atmosphere charged with energy and excitement. In such spaces, one might experience a sense of exhilaration as they soak in the collective buzz and vibrant activity surrounding them.

At the same time, crowded places can also trigger feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia for those who prefer solitude or spaciousness.

Being engulfed by a sea of strangers may induce discomfort or unease, heightening their awareness of personal boundaries being invaded.

Ultimately, describing the emotional impact within crowded places requires writers to tap into the unique blend of sensations that arise from both exhilaration and uneasiness.

Social Interactions: Illustrating the Interplay and Relationships in Crowded Places

When describing a crowded place, it’s important to capture the social interactions that occur within it.

This can help paint a vivid picture for your readers and bring the scene to life.

Observe how people interact with one another – are they engaged in animated conversations, laughing together, or perhaps lost in their own thoughts? Describe the body language of individuals, emphasizing gestures like handshakes, hugs, or gentle touches on shoulders. These details provide insight into the relationships between people and add depth to your writing.

Furthermore, pay attention to group dynamics within a crowded space.

Are there clusters of friends huddled closely together while others stand alone?

Is there an undeniable bond among certain individuals that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd?

Reflecting on these details allows you to convey a sense of unity or isolation within the bustling atmosphere.

To enhance your description even further:

• Note any shared experiences or common interests that may bring people together.
• Show how different groups interact with each other through friendly exchanges or competitive energy.
• Highlight any cultural nuances and traditions playing out in these social interactions.

Faces in the Crowd: Portraying the Diversity and Individuality of People in a Crowded Place

In a crowded place, faces come alive with unique stories and experiences.

Each person stands out in their own way, adding to the tapestry of diversity that fills the scene. From young children clutching their parents’ hands to elderly individuals navigating through the throng with wisdom etched on their faces, every expression tells a different tale.

Observe closely and you’ll find eyes filled with hope, laughter lines etched deeply into smiles, and brows furrowed with concern.

There are those lost in conversation or immersed in deep thought.

In this kaleidoscope of humanity, no two faces resemble each other entirely; distinct features distinguish one person from another.

As you scan across this bustling space, notice the vibrant range of skin colors: light ivory tones alongside rich caramel hues; jet-black hair contrasting sharply against fiery red locks. Some wear traditional attire passed down through generations while others flaunt modern fashion statements. The unique fusion of cultures finds its reflection here amidst these lively individual characters.

The crowd is not just an anonymous mass pulsating as one entity.

It brims with myriad personalities waiting to be discovered by keen observers who take time to appreciate each face’s distinctive markings – signs that speak volumes about people’s lives without them uttering any words at all.

Tension and Excitement: Conveying the Intensity and Dynamism of a Crowded Place

There is an electrifying atmosphere in a crowded place, brimming with energy that buzzes through every inch.

Bodies move swiftly, colliding occasionally as they navigate the limited space.

The air crackles with anticipation and tension, creating an immersive experience for anyone present.

• Vibrant and Pulsating : A crowded place pulsates with life; every corner bustling with motion, vibrant colors clashing against countless bodies in ceaseless movement.
• Chaos and Disorder : The chaotic nature of a crowded setting adds to its allure—frustrated voices shouting over one another, hurried footsteps echo against floor tiles adorning the complex labyrinth.
• Eyes Wide Open : Observers strain their eyes in order to take it all in—the sea of faces merging into blurred murals of humanity; each face telling its own story.

The sensations are multiplied tenfold as throngs merge together like a single organism — undulating waves flowing spontaneously within predetermined boundaries yet eventually erupting beyond them under forces unseen but palpable to those immersed within it.

Claustrophobic Chaos: Describing the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed in a Crowded Place

In a crowded place, the overwhelming sensation can be like suffocating under a heavy blanket.

The air becomes thick with human presence, causing one’s heart to race and palms to sweat. Every step feels like an obstacle course as bodies press against you from all sides.

It’s claustrophobic chaos, where every movement is limited by the sheer mass of people around you.

The noise adds another layer to this overwhelming experience.

Conversations blend together into an unintelligible buzz, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter or shouts for attention. The cacophony reverberates in your ears, making it difficult to focus on any single sound or conversation.

As you try finding your way through the crowd, visual input bombardment further intensifies the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Bright lights flicker overhead while colorful signs compete for attention at every turn.

Faces blur into anonymous masses as they merge into each other, leaving one feeling lost and insignificant amidst the sea of humanity.

Hidden Corners: Revealing the Intriguing Details and Hidden Gems of a Crowded Place

Amongst the sea of people, where chaos seems to reign supreme, lies a tranquility unbeknownst to many.

In the hidden corners of this bustling place, one can find solace amidst the commotion.

Flower vendors creating vibrant bouquets with delicate precision; musicians coaxing beautiful melodies from their instruments in street-side cafes; graffiti artists adorning crumbling walls with breathtaking murals – these are just a few examples of the captivating details that go unnoticed by most.

While tourists flock to popular attractions, it is in these lesser-known spots that true beauty resides.

Alleyways adorned with colorful string lights guide you through tiny markets teeming with unique trinkets and handmade crafts.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through narrow streets lined with cozy bookshops waiting for eager readers to discover their treasures. These hidden gems offer respite from the crowd, revealing an intimate glimpse into the authentic heart and soul of this crowded place.

Intriguing tales await those willing to wander off-the-beaten-path.

Stories whispered by old buildings steeped in history or small family-run eateries passed down through generations.

Exploring these hidden corners unravels secrets only known by locals – an experience that transcends mere observation and allows for meaningful connection amid the overwhelming nature of crowded places.

• Curated flower arrangements at every corner.
• Musicians serenading passersby in sidewalk cafes.
• Vibrant graffiti art decorating forgotten alleyways.
• Narrow streets leading towards cozy bookshops fragrant with freshly ground coffee beans.
• Tiny markets overflowing with trinkets waiting for curious hands.

Escaping the Crowd: Offering Strategies to Find Solitude and Calm in a Crowded Place

Let’s talk about exit strategies for your crowded setting.

1. Seek Out Hidden Corners or Quieter Areas

• Look for secluded nooks or corners away from the main crowd.
• Explore less popular sections of the place, where fewer people tend to gather.
• Find spots with comfortable seating or beautiful views, such as gardens or rooftop terraces.

2. Visit During Off-Peak Hours

• Choose times when the place is likely to be less crowded, such as early mornings or late afternoons.
• Avoid weekends and holidays when visitor numbers are usually higher.
• Research online or inquire at local tourist information centers to find specific time recommendations for each location.

3. Utilize Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs

• Invest in a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones that can block out ambient sounds and distractions.
• Alternatively, wear earplugs to reduce external noise and create your own sanctuary of quietness amidst the chaos.

By following these strategies, you can carve out moments of solitude and tranquility even in the most bustling places.

How to Describe Crowded Places in Different Writing Styles

I thought it would be nice to include full examples of crowded place descriptions in various styles.

Description in a Narrative Style

The bustling marketplace was alive with activity as people hurriedly shuffled through the narrow lanes.

The aroma of various spices filled the air, enticing passersby to stop and savor the flavors. Vendors called out their prices, their voices mingling with the sounds of animated conversations echoing off the walls. Women draped in vibrant sarees haggled for better deals while children weaved through the throngs, giggling and pointing at colorful trinkets displayed on makeshift stalls.

Description in a Descriptive Style

In this crowded place, bodies pressed against one another like puzzle pieces fitting together tightly.

The cacophony of chatter reverberated through every corner as individuals scurried past each other urgently. A symphony of scent wafted around; food stands offered an array of tantalizing aromas from freshly baked bread to sizzling stir-fries infused with aromatic spices. Eyes darted about as visitors navigated narrow pathways lined by countless shops that spilled over with merchandise–from handcrafted jewelry to exotic fabrics dyed into an explosion of rainbow colors.

Best Words to Describe Crowded Places

Check out this list of words to describe crowded places in your stories:

• Bustling: The crowded place was filled with people moving quickly, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
• Teeming: The streets were teeming with pedestrians, making it difficult to navigate through the crowd.
• Thriving: The popular market was thriving with shoppers browsing various stalls and vendors selling their wares.
• Congested: The narrow street became congested as more people arrived, causing delays and difficulties in getting through.
• Swarming: Tourists swarmed the famous landmark, capturing every angle on their cameras.
• Packed: The concert arena was packed with excited fans eagerly awaiting the start of the performance.
• Jam-packed: The train station during rush hour was jam-packed with commuters trying to catch their trains amidst chaos and noise.
• Crowded-to-the-brim: People spilled into every available space at the music festival, turning it into a crowded-to-the-brim event
• Overcrowded: Due to limited seating, the small café felt overcrowded as customers jostled for tables or stood shoulder-to-shoulder along the counter.
• Abuzz: As dusk fell over Times Square, neon lights illuminated a bustling cityscape—the area abuzz with excitement.
• Densely populated – Large numbers of people are concentrated closely together in this area.
• Humming – A buzz of activity characterizes this busy environment.
• Clamoring – Noisy voices overlap and compete for attention within this raucous setting
• Vibrant – This lively scene is full of color and energy
• Electric – Excitement crackles throughout this energized atmosphere
• Blanketed – Multitudes cover every inch of available space like overlapping blankets
• Cacophonous – An overwhelming mix of sounds creates a chaotic feeling
• Suffocating – The sheer volume of people makes it difficult to breathe or move freely
• Pulsating – A rhythmic beat seems to emanate from the crowded masses, creating an intoxicating pulse.
• Drumming: Footsteps and chatter echo through the air like a steady drumbeat.
• Overflowing: The city streets overflowed with pedestrians during rush hour, their movements almost synchronized in perfect chaos.
• Mobbed: Tourists mobbed the popular attraction, snapping photos and vying for a closer look
• Foreigners every-flaming-where – In this overcrowded bazaar, foreigners can be seen everywhere you turn
• Ant-like: People scurried around purposefully like tiny ants hustling about their work
• Humongous queues – Long lines snaked around as waiting visitors anticipated entrance into the crowded venue
• Invaded :Suddenly invaded by students pouring out of classrooms—a school hallway became congested within seconds.

Best Phrases to Describe Crowded Places

Here are some of the best phrases to describe crowded places:

• A throng of people filled the streets, creating a bustling atmosphere.
• The crowded market was a hive of activity, with vendors shouting and customers jostling each other.
• Bodies pressed together in the concert venue as fans eagerly awaited the performance.
• The train station during rush hour became a sea of commuters, all rushing to catch their trains.
• The park was teeming with families enjoying picnics and children playing games.
• People swarmed the shopping mall on Black Friday, seeking out deals and discounts.
• A queue stretched around the block outside the popular restaurant as eager diners waited for a table.
• Tourists flocked to see famous landmarks, making it difficult to navigate through narrow streets or courtyards.
• The stadium overflowed with enthusiastic spectators cheering for their favorite team.
• As I entered Times Square, my senses were overwhelmed by a cacophony of sounds and an onslaught of colorful lights
• Inside the nightclub, bodies gyrated on the dance floor like sardines packed into a tin can.
• A crowd surged forward at an outdoor festival when fireworks burst forth above them.
• During rush hour subway rides are akin to being trapped inside cans crammed full with strangers
• At music festivals thousands gather together jumping up and down while belting out lyrics in unison.
• Cramped bazaars emanate pungent aromas that mingle from food stalls offering spicy delicacies.
• January sales attract hordes clamoring over each other like seagulls fighting over bread crusts.
• Traffic congestion turned city roads into parking lots
• Escape rooms fill faster than last minute tax submissions—flocks spill into hallways awaiting their turns
• Family fun-fair’s carousel line is more tightly wrapped than a mummy
• Commute spaces during rush hour are overfilled with bodies like cans of jam
• Swimmers in beaches and pools float together showcasing various colorful bathing attires.

Here is a video about how to describe a crowded place:

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Crowded Place in Writing

Capturing the dynamic essence of crowded places in writing can vividly transport readers into the heart of bustling environments – for more enriching insights, explore other articles on our website.

Read This Next:

• How To Describe A Basketball Game In A Story (17 Tips + Examples)
• How to Describe a Beach in Writing (21 Best Tips & Examples)
• How to Describe a Train in Writing (30+ Words & Examples)
• How to Describe a City in Writing (100+ Best Examples)

Fronteirsin.org (Research on Crowds)

Insider GCSE creative writing tips + 106 prompts from past papers

by Hayley | Mar 9, 2023 | Exams , Writing | 0 comments

Are you feeling a little bit twitchy about your child’s English GCSE writing task?

Sciences and humanities – although sometimes daunting in their content – seem a fair bet as ‘revisable’ topics. But the creative writing element of the English Language GCSE is less knowable and ultimately more of a frightening prospect for a student keen to do well.

Preparing for the GCSE writing task? You don’t need to do it alone.

We run a weekly online writing club which prepares students to write high-scoring content. Our “Higher” level club is designed to transform your writing so that you can ace the GCSE language paper.

What is the GCSE writing element of the GCSE Language Paper?

There are 5 key GCSE exam boards: AQA , OCR , Pearson Edexcel , WJEC Eduqas and CCEA . Each board sets their own papers which may appear much the same at first glance (bizarrely they all have a similar front cover layout and fonts). Certainly there is plenty of overlap between their mark schemes and the comments and tips they share in their Examiner Reports.

However, as with all your child’s other subjects, it is essential to know which exam board they are preparing for. You may be surprised to discover that schools pick and choose boards by subject, perhaps choosing AQA for chemistry and OCR for mathematics. Individual school departments have their own preferences. My brother teaches at a school where their English Literature and English Language exams have been split between two different boards. This is unusual though, not the norm!

What forms (question formats) can the test take?

It varies by board.

The AQA board has a writing task in their Question Paper 1 called Explorations in creative reading and writing . Students are given two prompts to choose between. The AQA board also has a second persuasive writing task in Paper 2 called Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives.

Jump ahead to AQA creative writing and persuasive writing prompts from past GCSE papers

The Pearson/Edexcel international iGCSE favoured by many UK private schools has two prompts to choose between for each section. The student is asked to complete a piece of transactional writing (perhaps a persuasive speech or an advertisement leaflet) and additionally a piece of imaginative writing.

Jump ahead to Pearson/Edexcel transactional writing and imaginative writing prompts from past GCSE papers

Interestingly, the WJEC Eduqas board favours non-fiction writing. Unit 2 Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition gives two prompts to choose between, for an account and an essay perhaps, and Unit 3: Reading and Writing: Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional sets up a letter, or similar.

Jump ahead to WJEC Eduqas non-fiction writing prompts from past GCSE papers

The OCR board offers two prompts to choose between. One might be a talk for other students and the other might be a letter on a difficult subject .

Jump ahead to OCR creative writing prompts from past GCSE papers

The CCEA board has a writing task in called “ Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-fiction and Media Texts” and a second writing task which offers a choice between personal writing and creative writing.

Jump ahead to CCEA persuasive writing, personal writing, and creative prompts from past GCSE papers

How long do students have to craft their piece of writing?

Creative writing tests are timed at either 45 minutes or 1 hour. The last thing your child will need is to prepare to write for an hour, only to find they have just three-quarters of an hour on the day. If in doubt, insist that they check with their teacher.

AQA students are given 45 minutes to produce their writing response. The introduction advises: ‘ You are reminded of the need to plan your answer. You should leave enough time to check your work at the end.’ What this means is that 30–35 minutes max is what’s really allowed there for the writing itself.

Pearson/Edexcel allows 45 minutes for each of the two writing tasks.

OCR students are given an hour to complete this section of their exam. The introduction states: ‘You are advised to plan and check your work carefully,’ so they will expect the writing itself to take 45–50 minutes.

How long should the completed GCSE writing task be?

Interestingly, although the mark schemes all refer to paragraphingthey don’t state how many paragraphs they expect to see.

‘A skilfully controlled overall structure, with paragraphs and grammatical features used to support cohesion and achieve a range of effects’ (OCR)

‘Fluently linked paragraphs with seamlessly integrated discourse markers’ (AQA)

Why? Because management of paragraph and sentence length is a structural technique available to the student as part of their writers’ toolkit. If the number of optimal paragraphs were to be spelled out by the board, it would have a negative impact on the freedom of the writer to use their paragraphs for impact or to manage the pace of the reader.

For a general guide I would expect to see 3 to 5 paragraphs in a creative piece and 5 paragraphs in a persuasive piece. Leaflets have a different structure entirely and need to be set out in a particular form to achieve the top notes of the mark scheme.

What are the examiners looking for when they are marking a student’s creative writing paper?

There are two assessment objectives for the writing itself:

• It has to be adapted to the form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences.
• It has to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

As a GCSE English nerd, I really enjoy delving deeper into the Examiner Reports that each board brings out once the previous cohort’s papers have been marked. They are a fascinating read and never disappoint…

Within their pages, examiners spell out the differences they have spotted between the stronger and the weaker responses.

For example, a creative task set by the AQA board was to describe a photograph of a town at sunset. The examiners explained that some of the strongest responses imagined changes in the scene as darkness descended. They enjoyed reading responses that included personification of the city, and those that imagined the setting in the past, or the weariness of the city. Weaker candidates simply listed what was in the picture or referred directly to the fact it was an image. This chronological-list approach weakened the structure of their work.

No surprises that some weaker students relied heavily on conversation. (As an exam marker myself, I dreaded reading acres of uninspiring direct speech.)

Pearson/Edexcel explain that weaker persuasive pieces (in this case on the value of television) simply listed pros and cons rather than developed ideas fully to clarify their own opinions. The higher-level responses here were quirky and engaging, entertaining the reader with a range of appropriate techniques and making the argument their own.

What accommodations are possible for students who have specific learning difficulties?

The UK Government’s Guide for Schools and Colleges 2022: GCSE, AS and A Levels includes information about changes to assessments to support ‘disabled students.’ Their definition of disabled includes specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ADD, ASD etc).

Exam boards can make a wide range of adjustments to their assessments. Some of the most common adjustments are:

• modified papers (for example, large print or braille exam papers)
• access to assistive software (for example, voice recognition systems or computer readers)
• help with specific tasks (for example, another person might read questions to the student or write their dictated answers)
• changes to how the assessment is done (for example, an oral rather than a written assessment, word-processing rather than hand-writing answers)
• extra time to complete assessments
• exemptions from an assessment

The exam board will expect paperwork to be in place where your child’s specific needs are formally reported by an appropriate professional (Educational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Consultant). The report needs to be recent, but how recent is difficult to confirm.

If your child is likely to need adjustments to their access arrangements you will need to discuss this with their school in plenty of time before the exam itself.

A close friend of mine realised in the final few weeks before her son’s GCSE exams that his tinnitus would have a negative impact on his performance. She approached the school to ask if he might take his exams in a separate room to minimise noise disturbance. Unfortunately, it was far too late by then to apply, and her son was denied the request.

Your child’s school will explain the process for applying for special arrangements and will be able to advise you on what your expectations should be. Never presume your child will be given what they need – but plenty of requests are successful, so stay positive and make sure your paperwork is in order beforehand.

Tips and strategies for writing a high scoring GCSE creative writing paper:

1.         learn the formats.

Know the different formats and conventions of the different GCSE writing tasks. There is a standard layout for a leaflet, for example, where including contact details and a series of bullet points is part of the mark scheme. Not knowing these conventions will knock back a student’s score.

2.         Plan ahead

Prepare a planning structure for each of the written forms you might encounter during the exam. It may need to be flexed on the day, but it will banish fear of the blank page and allow you to get started.

3.         Prepare sentence-openings

Familiarise yourself with appropriate sentence-openings for each type of GCSE writing task. Fronted adverbials of time and place will improve the quality of a creative piece, whereas access to varied and specific conjunctions might push up the mark of a transactional piece.

4.         Check your speaking

Ask your family to check your speech at home. Every now and then try to flip a sentence into formal language, using more interesting synonyms for your usual spoken vocabulary. This will help you to write formally on paper, avoiding colloquialisms.

5.         Forget finishing

Finishing is less important than you might imagine. Sloppy, hurried work is your enemy. GCSE examiners will follow your clear planning and mark you accordingly, even if you’ve not managed to complete that final paragraph.

6.         Note the details

The question often gives additional information the examiner would like to see included. Note it in your plan to make sure it doesn’t get forgotten.

7.         Start strong

Use your best sentence-opener at the start of each paragraph. It will set you up as someone to be taken seriously.

8.         Cut back dialogue

Keep dialogue contained in a single paragraph. Focus on description of the speaker and their actions before noting the second character’s reply.

9.         Revise

Do this by prepping work as above. Nothing beats it.

Would you like me to transform your child’s writing in my higher writing club?

Each week in my higher writing club , we spend 20 minutes on Zoom together. After the task has been introduced, the students write for 15 minutes. Next, they upload their work for 1:1 video marking.

There is no point prepping essays/creative pieces for the GCSE English Language exam if your child’s writing is poor. First, their scruffy presentation, attention to detail, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary need to be addressed.

After 2 months in the higher writing club your child’s written technique and fluency will be transformed by our 1–2-1 video marking system (consistent messaging is achieved by matching your child with their own teacher).

Each weekly activity is drawn directly from the GCSE English Language Subject Content and Assessment Objectives , published by the English Department of Education.

Here’s an example of a student’s writing, BEFORE they joined our club:

It is chaotic, poorly-presented and nonsensical. Letter-sizing is confused and the student is clearly anxious and repeatedly scribbling through small errors.

Below is the same student 2 months later:

Observe the rich vocabulary, authorial techniques (the jagged rocks are ‘like shards of broken glass’) and general fluency and sophistication.

Real and recent GCSE example questions/prompts from each of the 5 key exam boards

Aqa english language gcse questions, paper 2 writers’ viewpoints and perspectives:.

• ‘Our addiction to cheap clothes and fast fashion means young people in poorer countries have to work in terrible conditions to make them. We must change our attitude to buying clothes now.’ Write an article for a magazine or website in which you argue your point of view on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘People have become obsessed with travelling ever further and faster. However, travel is expensive, dangerous, damaging and a foolish waste of time!’ Write an article for a news website in which you argue your point of view on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘Cars are noisy, dirty, smelly and downright dangerous. They should be banned from all town and city centres, allowing people to walk and cycle in peace.’ Write a letter to the Minister for Transport arguing your point of view on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘All sport should be fun, fair and open to everyone. These days, sport seems to be more about money, corruption and winning at any cost.’ Write an article for a newspaper in which you explain your point of view on this statement. ( Source )

Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing:

• A magazine has asked for contributions for their creative writing section. Either write a description of an old person as suggested by the picture below or write a story about a time when things turned out unexpectedly. ( Source )

• Your school or college is asking students to contribute some creative writing for its website. Either, describe a market place as suggested by the picture below or write a story with the title, ‘Abandoned’. ( Source )

• Your local library is running a creative writing competition. The best entries will be published in a booklet of creative writing. Either, write a description of a mysterious place, as suggested by the picture below or write a story about an event that cannot be explained. ( Source )

• A magazine has asked for contributions for their creative writing section. Either, describe a place at sunset as suggested by the picture below or write a story about a new beginning. ( Source )

OCR English Language GCSE questions

Paper: communicating information and ideas.

• Either, Write a post for an online forum for young people about ‘A moment that changed my life’.
• Or, You are giving a talk at a parents’ information evening about why all children should study science at school. Explain your views. ( Source )
• Either, Write a letter to a friend to describe a challenging and unpleasant task you once had to do.
• Or, Write a short guide for new workers about how to deal successfully with difficult customers. ( Source )
• Either, “Was it worth it?” Write an article for a magazine to describe a time when you had to do something difficult.
• Or, Write a speech for an event to congratulate young people who have achieved something remarkable. ( Source )
• Either, Write the words of a talk to advise pet owners how to make life more enjoyable for their pet and themselves.
• Or, Write an article for a travel magazine to describe your dramatic encounter with an animal. ( Source )
• Either, ‘How I prefer to spend my time.’ Write the words of a talk to young people about your favourite activity
• Or, Write a magazine article to persuade parents to allow their teenage children more freedom. You are not required to include any visual or presentational features. ( Source )
• Either, Write a talk for other students about a person you either admire strongly or dislike intensely
• Or, Write a letter to a friend to explain a difficult decision you had to make. ( Source )

Paper: Exploring effects and impact

• Either, Hunger satisfied. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Write about a time when you were waiting for something. ( Source )
• Either, The Taste of Fear Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Write about a time when you were exploring a particular place. ( Source )
• Either, Alone. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Describe a time when you found yourself in a crowd or surrounded by people. ( Source )
• Either, Land at Last. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Imagine you have visited somewhere for the first time and are now reporting back on your experience. ( Source )
• Either, The Playground Use this as the title for a story
• Or, Write about a memory you have of playing a childhood game. ( Source )
• Either, It seemed to me like I had been magically transported. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Describe a place where you have felt comfortable. ( Source )

Pearson Edexcel English Language iGCSE questions

Paper 1: transactional writing.

• Either, ‘In our busy twenty-first century lives, hobbies and interests are more important than ever.’ Write an article for a newspaper expressing your views on this statement.
• Or, ‘We are harming the planet we live on and need to do more to improve the situation.’ You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers in which you explain your views on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘ Zoos protect endangered species from around the world.’ ‘No wild animal should lose its freedom and be kept in captivity. Write an article for a magazine in which you express your views on zoos.
• Write a review of an exciting or interesting event that you have seen. ( Source )
• Your local newspaper has published an article with the headline ‘Young people today lack any desire for adventure’. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper expressing your views on this topic.
• ‘The key to success in anything is being prepared.’ Write a section for a guide giving advice on the importance of preparation. ( Source )
• You and your family have just returned from a holiday that did not turn out as you expected. Write a letter to the travel agent with whom you booked your holiday, explaining what happened.
• A magazine is publishing articles with the title ‘Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life’. Write your article on this topic. ( Source )
• ‘Important lessons I have learned in my life.’ You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers on this topic.
• Your local/school library wants to encourage young people to read more. Write the text of a leaflet explaining the benefits of reading. ( Source )
• ‘Most memorable journeys.’ A website is running a competition to reward the best articles on this subject. Write an article for the competition about a memorable journey.
• ‘Cycling is one form of exercise that can lead to a healthier lifestyle.’ Write a guide for young people on the benefits of exercise. ( Source )
• ‘Television educates, entertains and helps global understanding.’ ‘Television is to blame for society’s violence and greed and delivers one-sided news.’ You have been asked to deliver a speech in which you express your views and opinions on television.
• ‘Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions we ever make.’ Write the text of a leaflet that gives advice to young people on how to choose a career. ( Source )
• Write the text for a leaflet aimed at school students which offers advice on how to deal with bullying.
• A museum is planning to open a new exhibition called ‘Life in the Twenty-First Century’. ( Source )

Paper 2: Imaginative writing

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, enjoyed success
• Write a story with the title ‘A Surprise Visitor’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘I did not have time for this’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, challenged an unfair situation.
• Write a story with the title ‘Bitter, Twisted Lies’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘It was a new day …’ You may wish to base your response on one of these images. ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, visited a new place.
• Write a story with the title ‘The Storm’
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that ends ‘I decided to get on with it.’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, saw something surprising.
• Write a story with the title ‘The Meeting’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that starts ‘Suddenly, without warning, there was a power cut.’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, went on a long journey.
• Write a story with the title ‘A New Start’
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘I tried to see what he was reading. ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, felt proud.
• Write a story with the title ‘The Hidden Book’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘It was like a dream’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, had to be brave
• Write a story with the title ‘Everything Had Changed’
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘It was an unusual gift’. ( Source )

WJEC Eduqas English Language GCSE questions

Unit 2 reading and writing: description, narration and exposition.

• Write an account of a time when you enjoyed or hated taking part in an outdoor activity.
• “It’s essential that more people are more active, more often.” (Professor Laura McAllister, Chair of Sport Wales) Write an essay to explain how far you agree with this view, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Describe an occasion when you did something you found rewarding.
• Famous chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Mary Berry have spoken of the need for better food and better education about food in schools. Write an essay to explain your views on this subject, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Write an account of a visit to a dentist or a doctor’s surgery.
• NHS staff, such as doctors and nurses, provide excellent service in difficult circumstances. Write an essay to explain your views on this subject, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Write an article for a travel magazine describing somewhere interesting that you have visited.
• You see the following in your local newspaper: ‘Young people are selfish. They should all be made to volunteer to help others.’ Write an essay to explain your views on this subject, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Describe an occasion when technology made a difference to your life.
• Write an account of a time you were unwilling to do something. ( Source )
• Describe a time when you faced a challenge
• Write an essay explaining why charity is important, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Write an account of a time when you did something for the first time.
• “It’s time for us to start making some changes. Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live, and let’s change the way we treat each other.” Tupac Shakur Write an essay on the subject of change, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• “School uniform is vitally important in all schools.” Write an essay explaining your views on this, giving clear reasons and examples.
• Describe a time when you had to create a good impression. ( Source )

Unit 3: Reading and writing: Argumentation, persuasion and instructional

• Your school/college is considering using more Fairtrade items in its canteen. Although this will help to support Fairtrade farmers, it will mean an increase in the price of meals. You feel strongly about this proposal and decide to write a letter to your Headteacher/Principal giving your views. ( Source )
• Increasing litter levels suggest we have lost all pride in our beautiful country. Prepare a talk for your classmates in which you give your opinions on this view. ( Source )
• Write a guide for other students persuading them to stay safe when using social media and the internet. ( Source )
• According to your PE teacher, ‘Swimming is the very best form of exercise.’ You have been asked to prepare a talk for your classmates in which you give your views about swimming. ( Source )
• You read the following in a newspaper: ‘Plastic is one of the biggest problems faced by our planet. Why would we use something for a few minutes that has been made from a material that’s going to last forever?’ Write a letter to the newspaper giving your views on the use of plastic. ( Source )
• “People today never show enough kindness to one another. We must make more effort to be kind.” Write a talk to give on BBC Wales’ new programme Youth Views persuading young people to be kind to others. ( Source )
• ‘We have enough problems in the world without worrying about animals.’ Write an article for the school or college magazine giving your views on this statement.
• You would like to raise some money for an animal charity. Write a talk for your classmates persuading them to donate to your chosen charity. ( Source )

CCEA English Language GCSE questions

Unit 1: writing for purpose and audience and reading to access non-fiction and media texts.

• Write a speech for your classmates persuading them to agree with your views on the following issue: “Young people today are too worried about their body image.” ( Source )
• Write an article for your school magazine persuading the readers to agree with your views on the following question: “Should school uniform have a place in 21st century schools?” ( Source )
• Write a speech for your classmates persuading them to agree with your views on the following question: “Are celebrities the best role models for teenagers?” ( Source )
• Write an article for your school magazine persuading the readers to agree with your views on the following statement: “Advertising is just another source of pressure that teenagers don’t need!” ( Source )

Unit 4: Personal or creative writing and reading literacy and non-fiction texts

• Either, Personal writing: Write a personal essay for the examiner about what you consider to be one of the proudest moments in your life.
• Or, Creative writing: Write your entry for a creative essay writing competition. The audience is teenagers. You may provide your own title. ( Source )
• Write a personal essay for the examiner about an experience that resulted in a positive change in your life.
• Write a creative essay for the examiner. The picture below is to be the basis for your writing. You may provide your own title. ( Source )

• Personal writing: Write a speech for your classmates about the most interesting person you have ever met.
• Creative writing: Write a creative essay for your school magazine. The picture below is to be the basis for your writing. You may provide your own title. ( Source )

• Personal writing: Write a personal essay for the examiner describing your dream destination.
• Creative writing: Write a creative essay for publication in your school magazine. The picture below is to be the basis for your creative writing. You may provide your own title. (Source)

Get 1:1 support and personalized feedback on your GCSE creative writing practice

For 1–2-1 writing support for your pre-GCSE child, join the Griffin Teaching Higher Writing Club—online weekly writing classes specifically tailored to English GCSE creative writing preparation.

In just 20 minutes per week and their writing will be transformed.

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How to Write a Market Description

Last Updated: November 21, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Michael R. Lewis . Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin. This article has been viewed 174,805 times.

When starting a company, it is important to determine who your potential customers are and what their needs look like. You must get a handle on the market. Who are your main competitors and what could you do better or differently? Writing a market description is a good way to place your product appropriately. Potential investors and customers will garner a better sense of how your product fits into its target market. Although you may have other instances where you need to write a market description, the most common is as part of a general business plan .

Market Description Template and Example

Doing Market Research

• Before writing a market description, be aware of the “iceberg principle.” The majority of the iceberg is underwater. This represents your research time and spent energy. Only the tip is visible. The small tip is your output, e.g., website, advertising, brochures, and business cards. [1] X Research source
• Your market description forms part of your business plan overall. For tips on writing a thorough business plan, see Write a Business Plan .

• For example, let's say you are starting a high-end laundering service. Your customers could be professional workers with high amounts of disposable income. They are both men and women, some with children and some without children. Your customers like to spend their time with their families and working out or taking cooking lessons. What they lack is free time.
• Your potential customers would probably not include families with low amounts of disposable income, individuals who work at jobs that don’t require high-end laundering of their wardrobe, etc.

• Do some demographic research on your area. The SBA is a good place to start, but chambers of commerce and other offices in your community can also help. How many people matching the description of your target market live in your area? Do they tend to live in one area, or spread out?

• For instance, your competitor could offer laundry services with delivery. Customers are annoyed, though, that they have to drop off their laundry. Could you create a profitable model that combines pick-up and drop-off delivery services?

Writing your Description

• For example, "Petra’s Pick Up and Drop Off Laundry offers a full range of laundry services, e.g., washing, drying, ironing, dry cleaning. Our business prides itself on being the only business in the Luxesville area that offers both pick up and drop off delivery services."

• For example: “Our market research has shown that there are too few laundry services available to Luxesville’s highly professional population. Only two businesses exist for a population of 125,000 people and they are both located in the same neighborhood. We would like to offer our services in the up-and-coming south end of the city where young, busy professionals are flocking. Because of market trends, we anticipate demand for our services will increase by 20% in the next two years."

• For example, you might write: “Because 80% of Luxesville’s residents work over sixty hours per week and thus have limited free time, laundry services are particularly attractive. Additionally, as the median income in Luxesville is $175,000, we ascertain that residents have enough disposable income to afford our services. 60% of those workers earning above the median income are women, meaning that this area has a large number of professional women. In fact, only 14% of households have a stay-at-home spouse. This means the traditional relegation of laundry to an at-home partner is less likely to occur. We plan to target professional households with high disposable income between the ages of 25-55.”

• For example, “Luxesville’s professional population is highly educated, overworked, and extraordinarily stressed. Many of these people value any free moment of time they have to exercise, spend time with their children, or visit restaurants. They do not want to waste time on mundane tasks like grocery shopping or laundry. They are frustrated that the only laundry services available require customers to drop off their laundry during business hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many of these professionals are not home until 8, 9, or 10 p.m. Thus, having the ability to have their laundry picked up and dropped off and to order such services online is a huge attraction.”

• You can also use surveys to ask your competitors' customers about their perceptions, ask suppliers in your industry about orders, and use online tools to do market research. [9] X Research source Provide any details about your competitors that can make your entry into the market stronger.
• For example, you might write, “Our competing launderers, “Drop and Sop” and “Clarity is Wearity,” are serving their maximum amount of customers. As previously noted, they both operate in the Hedgefund Forest neighborhood. Because they are family-owned enterprises, which is a positive point to some customers, they offer restricted hours and both close at 6 p.m. This does not serve the professional community. Their decision not to offer pick up services also has left many customers disgruntled. Thus, by beginning our business in the south end of the city, we hope to build a strong base and eventually expand towards Hedgefund Forest to pick up the slack of other launders.”

• Examine the larger context of your products or services. You might offer information on pricing, other consumer metrics, or any other information that strengthens your point.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ http://www.dynamicbusinessplan.com/market-description
• ↑ http://ced.uaa.alaska.edu/publications/manuals/FINALBBHandbook.pdf
• ↑ http://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/ge/engineering-management/ProspectiveSponsors/ENGM3200.php
• ↑ academic.uprm.edu/jacruz/admi3125/Sample_Business_Plan.doc
• ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccabagley/2013/10/02/how-to-identify-your-market-size-up-competitors/2/
• ↑ https://www.inc.com/guides/201105/10-tips-on-how-to-research-your-competition.html

About This Article

To write a market description, start by crafting a 1-2 sentence overview of what your business does. Then, in the next 2-3 sentences, explain your reasoning for choosing this market, whether that be lower business taxes, a lack of other businesses in the market, or positive market trends. Next, describe your ideal customer demographic, such as age, income, sex, and marital status, and outline how your product or service will appeal to that demographic. Finally, make sure to review other competitors in the market to assess what they’re doing right or wrong and how your business will provide something they don’t. For advice on how to use the Small Business Association to do market research, read more from our Financial co-author. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing for the market is an issue that drives writers to despair.

We are always told to write for the market or starve.

Like all advice there is a grain of truth in it, but is that grain enough to cause you to write in a genre you don’t like?

Many writing ‘gurus’ around the net now appear to believe that the average writer can understand the market and its forces.

They also believe that those same average writers can use such information to come up with a bestseller – just like that. Maybe you can – read this article.

I use the term average, not in a derogatory sense, but merely to demonstrate that not all writers are great at business concerns.

Not all business people are great at writing.

There are some who are, but they are not average.

SCRAP YOUR NON-MARKETABLE IDEAS

The idea that you can tailor your writing to what the market wants is even more widespread now with the advance of digital technology.

Writing forums are now spreading this as if it is some global truth.

They are advising people to scrap all their ‘non-marketable ideas’ and get on with the serious business of writing bestsellers.

Hitting the top ratings has become an aim in itself.

This aim can often be held above good writing.

If you have been to a few meetings with producers, publishers, or agents you’ll know this already.

MANY MEETINGS

I have been writing a long time and I have been to quite a few meetings.

To be honest, I now find myself wishing I could get back the time I wasted preparing for, and travelling to meetings that I now see were a complete and utter waste of my time.

Between my day jobs and single parenting I didn’t have much free time.

What time I had could have spent writing, writing more, and writing even more…

TOO MANY WORDS

One memory that stands out in my mind is a meeting with a film producer.

The meeting was at his request. He had expressed an interest in my story so I was ‘pitching the script.’

Since pitching is now considered to be as important as, or even more important than writing I had attended several workshops and seminars to learn how to do just this.

But it was soon apparent that this particular producer was more interested in telling me about his ideal film script – the film he hoped I was writing.

It didn’t take him long to explain his amazing idea.

The film was, in his words ‘a commercial romantic comedy’ that was ‘funny’ with a ‘bare script.’

He said he didn’t like to have to read too many words.

MEDICAL STORY

The next meeting was with a producer who told me he wanted a ‘created by’ credit for a very marketable and commercially viable idea for a series he was developing.

The idea, he told me in all seriousness, was ‘medical story.’

I waited for the rest of the idea, with a view to perhaps hearing what made this any different to the many medical stories already on TV.

But, the self-satisfied look on his face told me there was no more.

This producer was looking for someone to take his ‘medical story’ and write it into a fully developed proposal and script – for no money until it was ‘financed.’

Then the writer was supposed to settle for a scriptwriter for hire’s pay while he gave himself the lucrative ‘created by’ credit.

Another film producer told me that the film I was pitching was the sort of film he and his friends would enjoy but not the type of film that ‘got financed.’

STRAIGHT TO VIDEO

Does any of this surprise you? Go look in the video shop and count the films you would love to rent.

EXECUTIVE LEVEL

An executive in the Irish Film Board once told me in a meeting that my proposal was excellent.

Oh, how my heart sang – for a second –  before he went on to explain they’d financed a film set on an island already.

This was a second meeting about the same script. At the first meeting, he had told me he thought the idea was great and to be sure to develop the story and send in a proposal.

I hadn’t changed the location between meetings.

Writing and developing proposals, by the way, is hard work – if you are serious about them, as I was.

The same executive also sang the praises of another writer,   a male, not surprisingly – this being the Irish Film Board, of whom he said he would finance anything he wrote – without reading it.

I wish I could say meetings like this were rare…

And then there’s television…

I once had a meeting with a television executive so joined at the hip with his ratings and polls that he couldn’t tear himself away from the graphs on his laptop to look at me and pretend to listen to the story I was trying to pitch.

In fact, he didn’t listen.

He didn’t need to listen as he had already read my script via email and had very much liked it, hence this meeting.

But he had only called the meeting because he wanted to meet me in person.

He proceeded to inform me that he/they never developed scripts with writers unless they had written for their soap.

He added, by the way, that women writers usually wrote soap and didn’t normally write the sort of stuff I wrote.

So, if female television writers didn’t write soap – they were writing themselves out of the market.

BREAKING GOOD

He could have saved me the six-hour round trip by telling me this via email but maybe he had a gap to fill.

Or maybe he was looking forward to bragging to someone about his ‘crucial’ role in developing the successful television show his station had produced because that was what he spent the rest of the meeting talking about.

According to him, the show had been successful because of his input, wisdom and insight.

He demonstrated is genius to me by explaining how he would regularly tell ‘his’ writers to ‘make it good’ or ‘make it better.’

Of course, producers would argue that making television and films is so expensive that they have to be sure that audiences will like it.

I might argue that going by the number of crap films in the video store and rubbish on the television that their judgement of what audiences want isn’t always all that sound.

But that isn’t telling them what they want to hear… and there are plenty of other writers who will.

THE AGENT OF IDEAS

Are publishers and agents any different?

According to one of my former agents, he himself was possessed of many commercial ideas.

Being a generous sort he would distribute his ideas among writers he deemed worthy of writing them.

How my heart sang (again) as I heard that there was a whole file of marketable ideas and that my agent owned it.

I waited a very long time for him to open his file.

Then one day, he finally said he had some important advice for me and we should meet.

The meeting for which I had waited for another embarrassingly long time took place in London.

At that time I was so eager (naive) that I would have happily travelled from Ireland to Greenland in a pedal canoe if it helped my career as a writer.

Sitting in the crowded cafe my agent explained how important it was that since my first novel had been optioned for film, that my second novel should follow its path.

He said this as though this wasn’t something I would have hoped for myself.

I could see he was waiting for me to ask the question, and so I did (well I’d travelled a long way)

How could I do this?

‘Think film as you write,’ he said. ‘Think Film.’

BUT YOU’RE A WRITER

I have more of these stories but I think you’ve probably got the point at this stage.

But you are a writer, enthusiastic, hard-working and maybe even talented.

So, after reading this you’re probably still wondering if there is a way you can interpret and write for the market?

If you are, maybe you should give it a shot.

Knowing the market sounds like a good start and maybe the thing to do is to analyze the best seller list, or the current most popular films and find out what is selling.

But think about it first.

Let’s say you work out that the most marketable story you could write is one that is set in the future with a male protagonist: a scientist living on a remote island in the Arctic, who has replaced love with alcohol and fantasies of finding the last lost dinosaur as the ice melts etc.

Thing is if that is current now and people want to read books about that now – can you write a book fast enough to catch the coattails of this current trend?

Or, will the market have changed by the time you have finished writing?

Will next year’s trend be for a female protagonist who becomes a private detective after ditching her waitress job where she had served steak to the main players in a major criminal gang?

BUT, WRITING FOR THE MARKET IS A GREAT IDEA

Okay, so writing for the market is a great idea in theory.

Who doesn’t wish they could do it?

But in practice, can you write about any subject, in any style or genre, and do it all exceedingly well?

If you can, then great – go for it.

Analyze the market and write for it.

Or, you can write what you are good at and write it more and more and more until you achieve flow.

You can continue to write, practice writing exercises until you get so good – that your audience finds you – trending…

As always, my opinion is just another opinion in a world full of them.

It’s up to you – as always.

Whatever you do – keep writing and I wish you the very best of luck with all your work.

P.S. If you are thinking about giving up the day job you should read this post.

Josie knows how to survive but what’s wrong with wanting more?

It’s 1970s Liverpool and everybody’s broke but that doesn’t stop her dreaming. A smiling stranger could make her dreams come true but she hasn’t met his family yet.

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Get the sunshine girl from amazon.co.uk, share this:, 2 responses to writing for the market.

I refuse to do this. It stifles creativity. It’s like telling an artist to paint a fence. That fence is already defined. Let that artist create a fence. I can’t do it.

Hi Larry thanks, for commenting. Some artists will see the fence as a blank slate and paint their own picture on it. It’s all down to the individual.

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How to Write to Market and Still Write What You Love

by Jeff Elkins | 0 comments

When new writers ask, “How do I succeed as an author?” the advice they most often receive is, “Write to market.”

Popularized by Chris Fox’s 2016 book, Write to Market: Deliver a Book that Sells , the strategy requires authors to pick a genre to write in , study the tropes of that genre of books that are currently selling, and then write a book in that genre that fits all the existing tropes. While many authors struggle to embrace this concept, by changing our perspective on it, we will find it empowering rather than limiting.

Why I Didn't Want to Write to Market

When I first received this advice, like many new writers, my response was visceral and negative. I felt as though I was being told to copy work instead of create it. I assured myself that I had not begun writing to fit into an existing mold. I told myself that I was an artist, not a plagiarist; and that my ideas were so wonderfully unique they defied all market expectations.

After writing and publishing several novels that no one but my mom read, I began to change my tune.

What helped me overcome my initial revulsion to the idea of writing to market was changing my perspective on it. I recognized there were misconceptions I needed to overcome. With a shift in understanding, I was able to see why writing to market worked and why I needed to embrace it if I was going to succeed.

Think of it as Writing to Readers

The first misconception I had was about the nature of the “market.” I thought of the market as a menacing and unpredictable unseen hand that was deciding what products succeeded and what products failed.

Understanding and writing to the market felt to me like becoming a Sith Lord. To do it would mean foregoing my calling as a pure artist and embracing the dark side that proclaimed money is king.

But the market is not some menacing unseen hand. The market is readers. The market is the word we use for people that buy books.

Don’t think of it as embracing some dark and confusing force. Think of it as understanding what people enjoy and trying to create for them something they will like.

Think of it as Writing to be Enjoyed

I’m the primary cook for my family. Finding food that all five of my children will eat can be difficult. When I sit down to prepare a meal, I’m faced with a choice. I can make something they will like, or I can prepare what I want to prepare.

If I choose the latter option, I might like the meal, but dinner is going to be horrible because I’m going to spend most of it forcing the four-year-old to try it. I’ve found that dinner is best when I cook something with elements that we all enjoy.

For example, I love broccoli but my sixteen-year-old hates it. What my sixteen-year-old loves is garlic salt and parmesan cheese. It’s easiest for me to steam the broccoli and serve it, but then I’m going to have to hear him groan and complain as he chokes it down.

If I take a few extra minutes to cover it in garlic salt and parmesan cheese and then roast it in the oven, he will eat it without complaining and I can enjoy my dinner.

The decision to write to market is the same decision I make every night at the dinner table. I can ignore readers and make what I want to make, but I need to understand that getting them to try it will be painful for all of us.

Or, I can figure out what they like, invest time in understanding what I like, and then write something that meets all our expectations.

If we can find passion in writing things our readers will enjoy, we will find more success.

Think of it as Writing to the Adjacent Possible

We have a misconception about innovation. We believe that innovative things are earth-shatteringly new. We think that when something innovative happens, there’s never been anything like it before.

The truth is, the only innovation embraced is “the adjacent possible.” When something is created that is beyond what anyone has ever considered, that thing is rejected because people can’t wrap their minds around it.

Innovators need to speak the same language as the people they are innovating for. If they don’t, their innovation won’t matter because no one will be able to understand it.

Writing from a new perspective or with fresh ideas is wonderful and necessary. At the same time, if that newness has no connection to readers' expectations, then readers won’t understand it. Understanding genre and tropes is like learning the language of your readers. It is important to innovate within their language.

Write for Readers Who Love What You Love

If you are like me, your revulsion to the phrase writing to market comes from our misconceptions about what the phrase means. If we shift our perspective, we can change our approach so that we are writing for our readers in a language our readers will understand and enjoy, while not losing our unique voice.

Do you know what your readers love?   Let us know in the comments .

Today, take a baby step toward writing to market. Think of a reader you know personally. Consider what that reader enjoys reading. Then, take fifteen minutes to write a story in a format and style the reader in your mind will relate to.

When you're done, share your writing in the comments below. Tell us about the reader you pictured, too. And if you post, don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers!

Jeff Elkins

Jeff Elkins is a writer who lives Baltimore with his wife and five kids. If you enjoy his writing, he'd be honored if you would subscribe to his free monthly newsletter . All subscribers receive a free copy of Jeff's urban fantasy novella "The Window Washing Boy."

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Writing to Market: What Successful Authors Know

These days, being a successful author isn’t about getting lucky in your search for an agent or soliciting dozens of publishers until one of them takes a fancy to the book you spent countless hours on. With indie authors wielding the power of self-publishing like an entrepreneurial sword, more people than ever are making a living (and potentially a comfortable one at that) from their writing career.

One of the ways these indie authors have found incredible success is writing to market. They treat the process of being an author the same way most people treat their day jobs: do the work, write the things people want to read, get book sales.

It sounds like the dream, right? And for many people, it is. But writing books to market isn’t for everyone. So in this article, we’re going to figure out if it’s something you want to pursue and, if it is, how you’d go about it.

To that end, we’ll be discussing:

• What writing to market is
• Understanding your market
• Crafting compelling, market-oriented stories
• Leveraging trends and market demand

It sounds technical and, to a degree, it is. This is truly about authorship as a career . That doesn’t mean your writing journey isn’t without passion or creativity (and we’ll discuss that in this article), but writing to market means approaching this through the lens of a business.

Let’s clarify that a little.

What is Writing to Market?

"Writing to market" is a phrase that's been bouncing around the indie author community for some time now, but many authors still aren’t familiar with it. So what does it really mean? 

At its core, writing to market is about striking a balance between creative expression and commercial appeal. It's the art of crafting stories that not only capture your own voice but are also tailored to meet the demands and interests of a targeted audience.

Imagine being an entrepreneur and thinking of a product. Before launching it, you'd first research what the consumers want to ensure your time and money are spent on something viable. 

Similarly, you need an insightful understanding of reader expectations and preferences, trending themes, and genre-specific demands to write to market. This doesn't mean you're selling out or dampening your creativity—in fact, forcing yourself to work within a time limit and reinventing known ideas can push you to be more creative. Writing to market is about leveraging your talent in a way that vibes with a larger group of readers, maximizing both reach and revenue .

The importance of understanding your target audience in this can’t be understated. When you know who you're writing for, you can more effectively cater to their tastes, emotions, and desires, amplifying the chances of your work's success in the crowded literary marketplace.

Writing to market merges the heart of creative writing with the strategic acumen of a savvy marketer. It's where passion meets strategy and your creativity meets commercial success .

Understanding Your Target Market

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. If you're looking to write something people actually want to read (and pay for), you need to know who those people are, aka your target market.

Understanding them is like getting a cheat sheet for your next writing assignment. Here’s how you do that.

Market Research for Writers

This is a crash course in these topics, as they could be their own articles. For the sake of this article, I’ll explain as much as I can.

Identifying Your Niche and Ideal Readers

There are hundreds of genres, subgenres, and even sub-subgenres. You could write a sci-fi romance novel about time-traveling vampires, and guess what? There's probably an audience for that. 

But the key is to find out who's into what you're offering and if there are enough of them. So decide on your niche first. 

Are you all about those heart-pounding thrillers? Or maybe cozy mysteries are your jam? Once you’ve got that figured out, think about the kind of person who'd be super into it. That's your ideal reader.

Analyzing Reader Demographics and Psychographics

Now, get a bit sneaky. Dive deep into understanding your ideal reader. 

How old are they? What's their day job like? What TV shows are they binging? Heck, what's their favorite snack? 

Then psychographics come into play. It’s not just about age and location. It's about what makes them tick. Get to know their values, interests, and lifestyle. The more you know, the better.

Studying Genre-Specific Trends and Themes

Pop into online forums, check out Goodreads reviews, or snoop around in Facebook groups centered around your chosen genre. 

What are readers loving or hating? Any recurring themes or tropes they can't get enough of? Being a little nosy (while being respectful) now can give you a leg up later.

Connecting with Your Readers

Once you know who your readers are, then what? You need to get in front of them to effectively write to market.

Engaging with Your Target Audience

It's time to mingle. Jump onto social media platforms, join those reader groups, and don't be shy to comment and chat. 

Think of this as a two-way street; not only are you promoting yourself, but you're also building genuine connections.

Conduct Surveys and Seek Feedback

Feedback is gold. Want to know if your vampire love triangle subplot is a hit or a miss? Ask! Shoot out surveys, polls, or even DMs if you have permission. 

Listen to the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s all valuable.

Building an Author-Reader Relationship for Long-Term Success

This isn’t a one-book game. It's a journey. The more you interact, appreciate, and value your readers, the more they’ll stick around for your next book... and the one after that . 

It's easier to keep an existing reader than to find a new one.

Then, once you know your readers and exactly what they like, it’s time to write it.

Crafting Compelling Stories for Targeted Audiences

Now that you’re buddies with your audience, let’s chat about how to write the stories they’ll rave about to all their friends. 

We’re not just talking about a good story; we’re talking about the story for them.

To do that, I’ve got nine tips for you, broken up into three categories: genre, writing style, and your plot and characters.

Choose the Right Genre

1. Explore Popular Genres and Their Characteristics

Here’s the thing: genres are like flavors of ice cream. Sure, vanilla is timeless, but maybe matcha green tea is having its big moment. 

Dive into what’s hot now, but also know the main ingredients. Romance novels are all about relationships and emotional payoff. Thrillers need suspense and unexpected twists . 

And don’t forget to sprinkle some of your unique style on top.

2. Evaluate Personal Interests and Strengths

Real talk? Passion shows. If you’re rolling your eyes writing about zombies because it’s "in," readers will catch on. 

Still aim to write what you love. If you can find a sweet spot between what excites you and what your audience craves, you’re onto a winner.

3. Align Your Genre Choice with the Target Market

Think of it like a Venn diagram. One circle represents what you love to write, the other shows what your audience loves to read. 

That sweet spot in the middle? That’s your golden zone. Aim for that overlap and you're golden.

Tailor Your Writing Style

4. Adapt Tone, Language, and Writing Style

You wouldn't talk to your grandma the same way you’d chat with your best friend after a T-Swift concert, right? Think of your readers in a similar way. 

Know their vibe and match it. If they're young adults , maybe that snarky, informal tone works wonders. But if you're writing historical fiction for a more mature audience, perhaps a refined, elegant style suits better.

5. Address Reader Pain Points and Desires

Stories aren’t just stories. They're ways for readers to live vicariously, to find solace, or even solutions to their real-life problems. 

If you know that your audience struggles with, say, loneliness, a tale of a character finding their tribe can be super impactful.

6. Balance Creativity with Market Preferences

While it's crucial to keep market tastes in mind, don't cage your creativity. Remember why you started writing in the first place. 

Marry your imagination with market insights . Let them coexist.

Create Great Characters and Plots

7. Develop Characters Readers Want

In your market research, hopefully you find what characters are in right now.

Is it a snarky heroine? A track star? An antihero ?

The main characters in your story will be one of the selling points of your story, and readers are looking for specific ones. Think about ways you can integrate these types of characters into your book.

8. Put a Spin on Familiar Plots

I’m not saying you should recycle whatever the current bestseller is, but look for commonalities in successful new releases.

Is it hot right now to include a magic school as the backdrop to your plot? Maybe chosen ones aren’t in right now, so a story about one won’t sell well.

Figure out what works and what doesn’t, then put your unique take on the former.

9. Don’t Be Afraid of Tropes

Tropes can be powerful tools if used correctly, and are even mandatory in some genres (I’m looking at you, romance genre ).

If you’re writing to market, you know which tropes are in and which aren’t. Think about how you can use these tropes effectively without sacrificing quality or creative genius.

Writing a story isn’t just about stringing words together. It's a blend of knowing your readers, understanding their world, and sprinkling in your magic. 

But, when writing to market, you need to understand that thing you’re writing to.

Leveraging Trends and Market Demand

You've got the tools, you know your audience, and you're pumped to write. Now, let's give your work that extra edge by tapping into what's buzzing in the literary world.

Recognize Emerging Themes and Concepts in the Market

Remember when dystopian novels like The Hunger Games had their big moment? Or when everyone was raving about vampires? Being aware of emerging themes gives you a head start. 

You can either hop on the trend train or, if it's saturated, find a fresh twist on it.

Incorporate Relevant Elements into Your Writing

So you've spotted a trend. Now what? 

Weave it into your narrative in a way that feels natural. Maybe it's the setting, a character's job, or even the central conflict. The trick is to make it integral, not just a fancy add-on.

Understand the Needs and Wants of Your Target Readers

This is where your earlier research pays off. If you know that your readers are craving strong female protagonists or are tired of the same old love triangles, give them what they want. 

But, as always, add your unique spin.

Identify Gaps in the Market

Look, the market is big, but it's not always filled evenly. Maybe there's a dearth of LGBTQ+ representation in a particular genre, or perhaps readers are searching for stories set in a specific era or location. 

Find those gaps and fill them with your awesomeness. But make sure you do it appropriately and authentically if you’re dealing with real-life people or topics.

Tailor Your Content to Meet Existing Demand

Listen to your readers. Check out reviews of books in your genre, participate in online forums, and engage with readers on social platforms. 

What are they wishing for? What makes them roll their eyes? Use that feedback to tailor your content.

If you’re writing to market, you need a thick skin. You need to be able to take feedback and adapt your writing accordingly, because you’re writing more for the reader than for yourself.

It's about being alert, adaptable, and always ready to pivot or evolve. Because in the dynamic world of writing, staying static is not an option.

Write Your Book to Market

One thing we haven’t discussed in this article is how quickly you need to write in order to write to market. In the best case scenario, you’re able to spot an upcoming trend and get ahead of it, giving you a month or two to be part of the first wave of books readers get their hands on.

Worst case scenario, you have a month left to write, edit, format, and publish your book.

Either way, time isn’t really a luxury you have, and you need to get your book done quickly.

That’s where Dabble can help you write to market.

Not only does Dabble come equipped with Story Notes to make planning your characters and world a breeze, nor does it just come with the Plot Grid to make it easy to craft a unique and market-reader plot with killer subplots, but its goal setting feature makes writing a book in a short period of time actually feasible.

Need to pen 70,000 words in a month but have a weekend trip and a day full of calls coming up? Dabble will take your goal, your timeline, and your days off, crunch that all up, and tell you exactly what you need to write every day.

Write more one day or can’t reach your goal another? We’ll adjust for you, no problem.

With that sort of accountability, you can get your book out to the market and start raking in those dollar bills. All you have to do is click here to try Dabble out for free and get writing.

Doug Landsborough can’t get enough of writing. Whether freelancing as an editor, blog writer, or ghostwriter, Doug is a big fan of the power of words. In his spare time, he writes about monsters, angels, and demons under the name D. William Landsborough. When not obsessing about sympathetic villains and wondrous magic, Doug enjoys board games, horror movies, and spending time with his wife, Sarah.

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(Descriptive Writing) Describe the sights and sounds of a market place

(Descriptive Writing) Describe the sights  and sounds  of a market place

It was past 5:30pm and was almost getting dark. We had run down like hooligans which made us breath so heavily after we arrived. All the stalls were open now, lit with their lanterns, lamps and hanging bulbs that attracted a lot of mosquitoes and other flying insects. There were lots of pigeons on top of the opposite building and you could hear the constant cawing of the crows. We stood at the edge of the left hand side road as people passed by. The noises were very loud; people talking in all sorts of languages, the daily noise of traffic, constant horns of cars and buses. Both of us were a bit dazed with what we were actually sent down for and got back to work as it hit us.

First we walked by a women in an old yellow sari who was sitting on her plain mat on which she had laid out all her vegetables. She shooed the flies every now and then which sat on her vegetables. We glared at the list in my hand that read “4 good tomatoes and potatoes”. We hardly searched for the good ones the women was already set to it and asked us how many. Her hands were dark and wrinkly as you could see the faintly visible tattoo on her arm which kept reappearing as she picked out the best potatoes and tomatoes. She handed us the blue plastic bag in which she had just put the vegetables in. She smiled and you could see her wrinkly face twist and her broken brown teeth glow.

This is a preview of the whole essay

We passed a couple of stalls this time; vegetables, fruits. We were told to look for the one with the number 4 on it and so we did. There it was before us his standing one man shop. He was selling fruits; bananas, mangoes and oranges in particular. We told him we wanted 6 oranges and a bunch of bananas. He went right to it wearing a white shirt and grey pants and slippers, he assembled the items and put them in a bag which was re-checked by a younger boy who was probably about 10 years old, wearing shorts a shirt and some slippers. He asked us if we were from here…we lied and quickly carried on ignoring his talk from behind.

It was getting darker already and the sky had changed its colour course from bright light to murky blue. It was getting late and the noise was getting louder. People passed, cars honked, the temple bells rang, and it was all very busy. We crossed the road which was more like hop, skip, and jump. Women from each stall called out to us this time “Bhenji, Bhenji…Ah! Lardki”, they all sounded alike as though it was some sort of rehearsed routine.

We went to the women in the green sari. The corns that she sold were supposedly the best. We told her to pack 5 yellow sweet corns and she did. There were 2 other people beside us waiting for their corn to be cooked, which was kept on the coal which was balancing on the pieces of wood. She fanned the corn and the coal changed colour to lava every time and then went back to black. The corn burst, making a pop sound every time and its colour yellow was now changed to black .After that was done she would change over every time to get the next side popping to black. She talked with her neighbouring corn sellers and they laughed at jokes. They all wore saris and had their hair tied up in buns or plats. They all wore either bangles, chain or a “piyal” (anklet).They all seemed to have tattoos on the arms, mostly written in Hindi script.

We got our things and crossed the road once again. The overall noise was not getting any softer and the amount of people that came by also increased. The shop lights were switched on all around and the traffic and noise pollution had also increased. The puddles on the road had got my feet dirty and I was going to take a shower. We started to walk and it started raining out of the bloom and there it was. People got out their umbrellas, started covering their stalls, put on their wind-sheeters, ran towards shelter and everything had changed within a second. All The stalls were now covered with what they could manage and all the flies had settled on their food. They all had sheets of blue plastic that covered up their tiny stalls and themselves. The rain was heavy and people had drifted apart and the raging sounds of the rains could be heard everywhere.

Teacher Reviews

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay.

Jeff Taylor

This is a very good essay, requiring only a little editing to make it excellent. The simple narrative maintains interest and escorts the readers through a series of scenarios, effectively evoking the colour and bustle of the busy Indian market place. 5 stars

Document Details

• Word Count 804
• Page Count 2
• Subject English

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Descriptive Snapshot Writing - Describing Places (Markets) Lesson 1 and 2

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

8 February 2020

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This resource includes two full lessons introducing strategies for approaching a descriptive writing task for AQA GCSE English Language Question 5 that encourages students to ‘snapshot’ aspects of the image and track through these snapshots to create an interesting descriptive sequence.

Teaching instructions are in the ‘notes’ section below the slides.

Any printouts are included in the slides themselves.

This lesson was awarded an ‘Outstanding’ a few years back during a half-lesson drop-in observation.

Suitable for Years 9-11 depending on ability. Orginally used with a middle ability Year 10 class. My department uses these lessons as a base lesson to begin our Year 10 writing unit: ‘Places and People.’

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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