Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Set-Text. Goodnight Mister Tom

Question
Your local library is staging an exhibition of books on the following theme:

Write a letter to the chief librarian recommending 'Goodnight Mister Tom' as a suitable book. You should describe how Michelle Magorian explores the theme of 'overcoming loss and personal tragedy with the help of others' in the novel. You should discuss the theme with reference to at least three characters who perform this healing role. (around 300 - 350 words)

What you need to include to pass
Click here for our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• Begin your letter with reference to the exhibition.
  
• Then, select the key characters or events that illustrate the theme of loss/personal tragedy, and make notes to remind yourself of the details:
  - Will's early experiences show his loss of childhood
  - Tom Oakley's life as a lonely widower
  - Death of Zach
  
• How are these losses/tragedies overcome?
  - Thanks to Mister Tom, Will learns how to become a normal child
  - Will helps Tom to love again
  - Geoffrey, a wounded soldier, helps Will come to terms with the tragic death of his best friend
  
• Finally, what type of reader will this book appeal to? You can mention this as part of your recommendation:
  This book is aimed at more mature children but will be enjoyed tremendously by adults too.....
  

Drafting and proofreading your work
You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you answered the question fully?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate for a letter of this kind?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent for your letter?
• Will it help the audience members to appreciate the importance of the work you have selected?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!