Write A story A Discuss
• Whats the most dangerous situation you have ever been
in? How did you feel?
B. Read the writing task and the story on the next page, and answer
the questions. When it is possible, underline words/phrases in the
story to justify your answers.
An international magazine has organised a short story competition
and you have decided to enter. The competition rules say that the
story must end with the following words
They were lucky to be alive
1. Has the writer ended the story appropriately?
2. What tenses does the writer use throughout the story?
3. What words/phrases does the writer use to link ideas?
4. Why does the writer use Direct Speech in the story?
It was cold, dark and quiet, for now. Terry and his
brother, Phil, were sitting in the cabin shaking with fear.
It had been Terry's idea to spend New Year's in the
mountains. However, it was turning out to be a very bad
one. Surely it wouldn't be long before the 400-kilo beast
would break into the cabin.
Terry got up quietly and glanced outside. When he
looked at Phil again, he was so terrified he could barely
speak. He held up two fingers and whispered, 'There are
two of them! There was no hope left. Two polar bears
would easily find a way in.
Suddenly, Terry had an idea. He searched through
his bag and removed a small box. Phil immediately
understood. Terry had some fireworks which he wanted to
set off at midnight, but now was probably a better time.
So, he lit one and threw it outside. They held their breath.
A moment later, there were loud bangs and flashes of
light, which scared the polar bears away. 'They're gone!
cried Phil. The boys were so relieved!
The fireworks attracted some
locals who took the boys to safety.
They were lucky to be alive.
