1. Year 9 English Homework Name:
Date set: Wednesday 12th
March 2014 Date due: Monday 17th
March 2014
The Stuff of Nightmares: The ‘Blurb’
LO: To be able to explain how Malorie Blackman uses punctuation to hook the reader in
the blurb for ‘The Stuff of Nightmares’
Task 1: Identify the following types of punctuation
Symbol Name
.
-
,
?
!
Task 2: Circle one example of each in the blurb of ‘The Stuff of Nightmares’
It begins with a ride on a train.
But where it ends is on a precipice of horror – dangling on the border between life and
death.
It’s a moment when Kyle discovers that he’s not the only one in his class who knows
about fear.
Not the only one who has nightmares.
And now, as Death stalks the carriages, it’s a moment when nightmares become real.
Nightmares of wars, and a world devastated by chemical weapons. Of a body being
slowly stolen, bit by bit. Of monstrous actions and monstrous creatures from old myths.
Of jealousy, obsession and a stalker outside your window. Nightmares of everything
imaginable.
What will it take for Kyle to finally face his greatest fear?
Pacy, compelling and seriously creepy, don’t read this chilling novel late at night!

2. Task 3: Using at least one example, explain how Malorie Blackman uses punctuation
to hook the reader in the blurb for The Stuff of Nightmares.
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Review: Tick the level of analysis you feel you have achieved.
I have identified one type of punctuation used in the blurb
I have explained the reason that this type of punctuation has been
used
I have analysed how this type of punctuation helps to create suspense
and hook the reader
I have evaluated whether the use of punctuation is successful in
hooking the reader.