Writing the first recount paragraph of a journalistic report about the Titanic | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Order the parts of a recount paragraph.

• introductory sentence

• specific information

• linking sentence

Answer explanation

We can follow this structure in our recount paragraph.

Which of these is the definition of a relative pronoun?

• a being, doing or having word

• a person, place or thing

• a word that starts a relative clause like 'who' or 'which'

• a word that describes a noun

Answer explanation

A relative pronoun ('who' or 'which') starts a relative clause. A relative clause adds extra information to the noun or noun phrase that precedes it.

Match the terms to their definitions.

• first person

• the 'I/we' perspective

• active voice

• the 'he/she/it/they' perspective

• third person

• a sentence in which the subject does or is the verb

• passive voice

• a sentence where the subject receives the action of the verb

Answer explanation

We can use a combination of active and passive voice sentences in our writing.

Match the definitions of 'it's' and 'its'.

• It's cold outside!

• a possessive pronoun

• Its hull filled with water.

• a sentence using the contracted form of 'it is'

• its

• a sentence using the possessive pronoun 'its'

• it's

• the contracted form of 'it is'

Answer explanation

'It's' is the contracted form of 'it is'. However, we avoid using contracted words in journalistic reports in order to maintain a formal tone.

Identify the relative clauses.

• as crew loaded cargo onto the ship

• before the ship set sail

• which set sail from Southampton

• when the ship reaches New York

• who is the commodore of White Star Line

Answer explanation

'Who' and 'which' are both examples of relative pronouns.

Tick the sentences written in the passive voice.

• The ship was boarded by passengers ahead of its departure at midday.

• Passengers boarded the ship ahead of its departure at midday.

• The passengers were accepted by the ticket office.

• The ticket office accepted the passengers.

Answer explanation

Passive voice sentences allow writers to sound credible when reporting information.