Understanding the conventions of travel writing

Question 1 of 7

1

Which of the following forms of texts are considered travel writing?

Select one or more of the following:

Guide books
Travel diaries
Nature journals
Some forms of autobiography
Adventure and exploration literature
Transcipts of speeches
A serialised novel
An epic poem

Explanation

Question 2 of 7

1

Travel writing does not reveal anything about the author, focusing instead on lavish descriptions of people and places.

Select one of the following:

True
False

Explanation

Question 3 of 7

1

Which of the following are the main conventions used in travel writing? Choose all that apply.

Select one or more of the following:

Often has a clear plot as in a novel or short story.
Narratives are often non-linear and include the writer’s memories and/or reflections.
Combines literary and documentary features
Figurative devices used to allow the reader to experience the people and places described.
Draws generalised, universal conclusions from particular, individualised experiences.
Is always funny
Tries to persuade the reader to visit the people and places described themselves
Presents stereotypes of nations and nationalities.

Explanation

Question 4 of 7

1

Read the short extract from Bill Bryson's Notes on A small Island.

What thing of universal significance does Bryson's visit to Studland beach cause him to reflect on.

Select one of the following:

How anyone came up with the idea of turning sand into glass
How the Egyptians built the pyramids
Why people the world over enjoy visiting beaches
What makes up sand
Why sand exists at all

Explanation

Question 5 of 7

1

Click on each orange point and select the correct answer.

Choose from the drop-down menus to annotate these two paragraphs to show how language is being used for effect by Bill Bryson

Explanation

Question 6 of 7

1

Drag and drop the annotations to show how figurative language is being used by Bryson in the final paragraph of the extract from Notes from a Small Island.

Drag an answer into the correct orange point.

Personification suggests joy

Personification suggests childishness

Simile is comforting

Simile is invigorating

Personification conveys beauty

Personification conveys dominance

Metaphor connotes pleasure

Simile connotes pleasure

Personification connotes more joy

Personification connotes end of joy

Explanation

Question 7 of 7

1

What do we learn about Bill Bryson in this text? Choose all the statements that apply.

Select one or more of the following:

He is modest about his own intelligence
He take a humourous approach to life
He can laugh at himself
He enjoys the great outdoors
He is a grumpy old man
He is American
He is a well-known writer

	Created by Sarah Holmes over 8 years ago

A set of quiz-style tasks to allow learners to deepen their understanding of the ways in which the conventions of travel writing are applied.

Understanding the conventions of travel writing

Question 1 of 7

Which of the following forms of texts are considered travel writing?

Select one or more of the following:

Explanation

Question 2 of 7

Travel writing does not reveal anything about the author, focusing instead on lavish descriptions of people and places.

Select one of the following:

Explanation

Question 3 of 7

Which of the following are the main conventions used in travel writing? Choose all that apply.

Select one or more of the following:

Explanation

Question 4 of 7

Read the short extract from Bill Bryson's Notes on A small Island. What thing of universal significance does Bryson's visit to Studland beach cause him to reflect on.

Select one of the following:

Explanation

Question 5 of 7

Click on each orange point and select the correct answer.

Choose from the drop-down menus to annotate these two paragraphs to show how language is being used for effect by Bill Bryson

Explanation

Question 6 of 7

Drag and drop the annotations to show how figurative language is being used by Bryson in the final paragraph of the extract from Notes from a Small Island.

Drag an answer into the correct orange point.

Explanation

Question 7 of 7

What do we learn about Bill Bryson in this text? Choose all the statements that apply.

Select one or more of the following:

Explanation

Read the short extract from Bill Bryson's Notes on A small Island.

What thing of universal significance does Bryson's visit to Studland beach cause him to reflect on.