Sizzling introductions quiz

She stood at the bus-stop on a stormy day, keeping a look out for her bus to school. Suddenly, a car sped by and splashed water on her pristine white uniform.

• Use dialogue

• Start at the action

• Make the reader curious

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

This introduction is right at the action where the character's day starts off badly.

Matin dug into his pocket, and could not feel his phone in its usual spot.

• Use dialogue

• Start at the action

• Make the reader curious

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

This intro makes the reader curious as to what could have happened, and what's next.

"Ms Tan, may we go for recess now? The canteen will be really crowded."

• Use dialogue

• Start at the action

• Make the reader curious

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

The student is asking the teacher a question, in a dialogue.

What would you think if I told you I used to smoke as a student?

• Use dialogue

• Start at the action

• Make the reader curious

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

This question makes the reader wonder about what the writer wants to share.

Mary stood at the edge of the platform, the greenery of the jungle staring back at her. She took a deep breath as the instructor counted down, '1... 2... and 3!

• Use dialogue

• Start at the action

• Make the reader curious

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

We are right at the action where Mary is about to do a bungee jump.

When was the last time you felt so embarrassed you wish there was a hole you could crawl into?

• Use dialogue

• Start at the action

• Make the reader curious

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

This question makes the reader recall if they had the same experience.

This experience made me realise I could do more than I thought I could.

• A conclusion or decision made

• Show how a character has grown or changed

• Show how the character has made a decision

• Show how the character has learned something

Answer explanation

The writer has learnt more about himself.

Mary was very pleased that she helped her two good friends reconcile after their huge fight.

• Show how the character has made a decision

• Memories of the main event

• Main character's feelings

• Show that the character has learned something

Answer explanation

Mary feels pleased with herself.

Amirul's parents decided that he will be grounded after he got into major trouble in school.

• Show how the character has made a decision

• Show how the character has learned something

• The main character's feelings

• Show how the character has grown or changed

Answer explanation

Decision was made by the parents.

After the experience, Gurmit became a more responsible person who always informed his parents of his whereabouts.

• Show how the character has made a decision.

• Memories of the main event

• Show how the character has learned something

• Show how a character has grown or changed

Answer explanation

This is the conclusion where Gurmit turns over a new leaf.