8c 1.1 What is travel writing?

1.1 What is travel writing?

​

Look at the picture.

Why might you want to travel here? What details make it seem appealing?

Key terms

• Third-person – a narrative point of view (P.O.V.) In a story that describes events and characters using the pronouns ‘he’, ‘she’, and ‘they’

• Attitude – a way of thinking about something; a particular view

What is travel writing?

Travel writing is a form of non-fiction that allows writers to explore and reflect on their experiences of different cultures.

There are several techniques to bring the places they describe to life.

• What is fiction?

• What is non-fiction?

Which of the following features could describe fiction, which could describe non-fiction, and which might apply to both?

Multiple Select

Written from the imagination.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Multiple Select

Based on facts.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Multiple Select

May include narrative.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Multiple Select

May include a detailed description.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Multiple Select

Includes characters.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Multiple Select

Could include imaginative language choices.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Multiple Select

Written in the third person.

• Fiction

• Non fiction

• Both

Vocabulary

• Whimsical – unusual or playful.

• Quip – a witty comment.

Find examples of the words or phrases in the extract that:

Open Ended

1.Describe the writer’s emotions/reactions.

1.

‘gloom’; ‘cradled by majestic rocks’; ‘beautiful little lake’; ‘still and peaceful’; ‘dismal stories’

Open Ended

2.Appeal to the reader's senses.

2.

‘low narrow corridor’; ‘vapoury’; ‘sunbeams break’; ‘warm land breezes; ‘dark vault’; ‘dashed to pieces

Open Ended

3.Make the place seem exciting.

3.

‘majestic’; ‘deep’; ‘the mysteries of the cave’; ‘danger and difficulty are extreme’; ‘dark vault’; ‘never again be seen’; ‘precipices’

Consider the following points and make notes on: 

​

Open Ended

1. The effect this piece has on the reader (to amuse, inform, create a sense of wonder)

1.

to amuse and entertain; to intrigue; to convey the character and essence of the community in this place (to inform)

Open Ended

2.The descriptive words and phrases that show this effect

2.

‘wild grey hair’; ‘A spruce white-haired woman’; ‘entirely new expeditions’; ‘as if in some whimsical experiment’; ‘tenderly assist an appreciative old lady’; ‘fond farewells, quips, and kisses’; ‘a red-faced man with one tooth’; ‘waving a cheery goodbye’

Open Ended

3.The attitude of the writer

3.

amused; surprised and intrigued; feels warmth towards the community.