Writing a description of a character | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match the punctuation type to its purpose.

• colon

• reveals information set up by the previous clause

• semi-colon

• adds extra information to a sentence

• brackets

• joins related clauses together without a conjunction

Answer explanation

Information inside brackets is not essential for the sentence to make sense.

Which sentence contains brackets?

• Carolina worked as a scientist by day (microbiologist to be exact).

• Carolina was a proud microbiologist - intelligent and independent.

• Carolina worked in a field that brought her joy: microbiology.

Answer explanation

The bracketed phrase gives us more information about the type of job the character does.

Which of the below is a preposition?

• gentle

• above

• slowly

• the

• woman

Answer explanation

You can use prepositions to transition into writing about different things.

What is juxtaposition?

• when two similar things are placed together

• when different or opposing things are placed together

• when a writer repeats a phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences

Answer explanation

A winter night and summer day could easily be juxtaposed.

Which sentence is most effective at suggesting that a character is serious?

• Her face was composed and tight.

• Her wide eyes sparkled.

• She swung her arms freely.

• She combed through her hair with her fingers.

• She looked straight ahead.

Answer explanation

Describing the way a character looks can help you to create a clear image in the reader's mind about who they are.

Which sentence uses brackets correctly?

• The museum's exhibit (which opens next month) features ancient artefacts.

• The museum's exhibit (features which open next month) ancient artefacts.

• The museum's exhibit which (open next month) features ancient artefacts.

Answer explanation

The bracketed phrase adds extra information to the sentence.