Travel Writing: setting and atmosphere
Before you can complete the writing task, you will first need to think of a remarkable journey (either real or imagined) to write about. You then need to identify a part of that journey that you can describe to the reader in an interesting and imaginative way. You might, for example, choose to describe the experience of actual travel on a train, bus, ferry, plane, etc. as in the passage by Michael Palin, or you might choose to describe a memorable experience at a stop along the way, as in the passage by Jon Krakauer.
Nouns and noun phrases
Next, think of the specific people and things you wish to include in your description (e.g. ‘bullocks’ horns’, ‘a cluster of houses’, ‘rows of cottonwoods’, ‘tendrils of cigarette smoke’, ‘clumps of farmers’). List these in the column labelled ‘Nouns and noun phrases to include’.
Modifiers
In the column labelled ‘Modifiers’, list words and phrases you can use to describe each noun or noun phrase you’ve identified (e.g ‘painted bright blue,’ ‘sleepy,’ ‘stately,’ ‘in overalls and dusty feed caps’). Choose words that will help you establish your desired atmosphere.
Dialogue/direct speech
Think of bits of direct speech you can include to enliven the story. List them in the box.
Nouns and noun phrases
Next, think of the specific people and things you wish to include in your description (e.g. ‘bullocks’ horns’, ‘a cluster of houses’, ‘rows of cottonwoods’, ‘tendrils of cigarette smoke’, ‘clumps of farmers’). List these in the column labelled ‘Nouns and noun phrases to include’.
Modifiers
In the column labelled ‘Modifiers’, list words and phrases you can use to describe each noun or noun phrase you’ve identified (e.g ‘painted bright blue,’ ‘sleepy,’ ‘stately,’ ‘in overalls and dusty feed caps’). Choose words that will help you establish your desired atmosphere.
| Nouns and noun phrases to include | Modifiers |
Dialogue/direct speech
Think of bits of direct speech you can include to enliven the story. List them in the box.