Table of Contents
How to Write a Continuation of a Given Passage
Opportunity for an Imaginative Response
When tasked with a question that offers a candidate the opportunity to give an imaginative response, the main challenge is smoothly blending your own writing with the original text. Perhaps this is why this type of question is among the most dreaded. However, it is not an unsolvable riddle. It simply requires a deep understanding of the given passage's stylistic features, plot, characterisation, tone, atmosphere e.t.c. In a nutshell, your response is an analysis presented creatively. Bear in mind also that this question usually asks candidates to highlight the challenges they faced as they wrote their continuation.
Identify the Stylistic Features of the Given Passage
Before continuing the passage, it is crucial to analyse the stylistic features used by the original author. Consider the register used. Is it formal or colloquial? Look at sentence construction. Does the writer use simple, compound, complex or compound-complex sentences? You should also establish the function of the sentences employed by the writer. For instance, are they declarative or interrogative? If it is prose, is it straight forward or it is characterised by flashback or flash forward? Candidates should also pay attention to how literary devices such as imagery, metaphors and symbols are used to shape the work. It is important to maintain these elements in their continuation in order to ensure coherence.
Identify the Plot
If the extract is from a narrative prose or drama work, it is important to identify the key conflicts and narrative arcs already established and decide how to continue them toward a possible logical resolution. Candidates should guard against the urge to introduce unnecessary elements that could diverge from the initial setup as this might distort the development of the plot. What is important is to advance the plot in a creative, but logical and consistent manner.
Identify Characterisation Techniques
Candidates should carefully analyse how the characters are portrayed in the original passage. They should identify how the author employs the techniques for creating characters focusing on how the author captures the characters' actions, thoughts and dialogue engagement.
Identify the Tone and Atmosphere
One of the mistakes to be avoided is to abruptly depart from the original atmosphere. Consistency should be maintained, especially at the beginning of the continuation. While tonal and atmospheric shifts are valid literary techniques, candidates should only explore them if the context of the original passage allows them to naturally do so. However, this has to be done smoothly in order to prevent the continuation from feeling rushed or disjointed.
How to Highlight the Challenges Encountered While Writing the Continuation
There are numerous aspects candidates can highlight while continuing the passage. For instance, if the original passage employs archaic or foreign words and phrases, the candidate can elaborate on this challenge, highlighting their struggle to incorporate foreign language phrases or archaic language due to a lack of fluency or understanding. Additionally, if the plot in the original passage is slow-paced, the candidate might find it difficult to continue as it requires several techniques such as elaborate description and extensive use of suspense, which might not be possible given the limited time available during the examination.
Exam Tip
When tackling a continuation question, think of it like this: if you see a toilet in a dream, don't use it - its a trap! But if you see a literary device in a passage, it's the opposite - you should use it because it's a clue. The idea is that what the passage offers, is what you should use to write your continuation.
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