Sample Compositions
Book report
Title: Riddle Me Dis Author: Hazel Campbell
Title and author
‘Riddle Me Dis’ is one of three short stories in the collection ‘Juice Box and Scandal’ by the Jamaican author, Hazel Campbell. All three stories tell us about looking after the environment. ‘Riddle Me Dis’ is set in a park in the middle of a big city and the main character is a young man called Topknot. Once the park was very beautiful, but when the story begins, no one was looking after it and nothing grew there. People were dumping their garbage there. Things changed after Topknot arrived. Topknot had very little money and wanted to make an honest living. He started selling drinks and biscuits from a small shack. He grew plants in old paint tins around the shack and created a vegetable garden in the park. Topknot was very generous and always helped people when they were in trouble. He noticed that two little girls often came to sit near his shack. Their mother, Miss Irene, was sick and unable to care for them, so Topknot gave them food from his shop. Later, when Miss Irene was better, she brought seedlings from the country for Topknot to plant. I really enjoyed this story as I admire the character of Topknot. He shows how one person can really make a difference. Once Topknot started caring for the park, other people began looking after it too. I thought the best part was when Topknot realised the little girls were hungry and gave them some of his lunch. I think everyone should read this story as it teaches us how important it is to look after our environment and make good use of it.
Characters and setting
Plot
Other characters
Personal response
Best part
Recommendation
• Remind students that they should only include the main events in their report. • Point out that the statement ‘Topknot was very generous’ is supported by evidence from the story. Remind students that they should always justify their opinions with reasons or evidence.
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