You wish to nominate a novel or short story that you have studied for an award. The rules state that both of the following comments must apply to the winning entry:
- The story stayed in my mind long after I had finished reading it
- The story was skilfully written.
Using these two comments, write the letter you would submit to the judges in support of your chosen novel or short story. Support your answer with reference to your chosen story.
123, Dargle View,
Bray,
Co. Wicklow.
The Judges,
Novel Competition,
Dublin 1.
11/2/14
Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to nominate “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee for the prize of top novel. This novel easily fulfils the criteria of the competition. It stayed in my mind long after I finished reading it, and it was most skilfully written.
This was the most memorable novel I have ever read. Two particular moments have etched themselves indelibly into my mind. The scene in the courthouse when Tom Robinson was on trial, and the lynch mob scene, made a real impression on me.
I was fascinated by the trial scene. I had never understood what racism in the 1930s would actually have looked like. I couldn’t believe that Scout, Jem and Dill were just given seats by adult black
people. The idea that white children had priority over black adults seemed very odd to me. Obviously, the most memorable section of the trial was Atticus’ closing argument. His final lines – “For the love of God, do your duty. For the love of God, believe him” – are some of the most powerful lines I’ve ever read.
An earlier scene also struck me quite forcefully. Before the trial, when Tom is being held in the local jail, Atticus goes to sit outside the jail in order to guard him. Against his orders, the children sneak out to watch him. When a mob of men pulls up, intending to seize Tom, Scout misunderstands their intent and leaps into the middle of them. Atticus shows real fear for his children at this point, demonstrating a side to his character we hadn’t seen before.
Harper Lee displayed great talent in writing this book. She essentially wrote two stories – one about Boo Radley, and another about Tom Robinson. However, she blended the two narratives together so
carefully, the book does not seem disjointed. Each story contributes something to Scout’s growing maturity, which is one of the most important themes in the book.
For all these reasons, I really believe that “To Kill a Mockingbird” deserves the award. Thank you for your consideration,
Yours faithfully,
Joe Bloggs
- The story stayed in my mind long after I had finished reading it
- The story was skilfully written.
Using these two comments, write the letter you would submit to the judges in support of your chosen novel or short story. Support your answer with reference to your chosen story.
123, Dargle View,
Bray,
Co. Wicklow.
The Judges,
Novel Competition,
Dublin 1.
11/2/14
Dear Sir / Madam,
I would like to nominate “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee for the prize of top novel. This novel easily fulfils the criteria of the competition. It stayed in my mind long after I finished reading it, and it was most skilfully written.
This was the most memorable novel I have ever read. Two particular moments have etched themselves indelibly into my mind. The scene in the courthouse when Tom Robinson was on trial, and the lynch mob scene, made a real impression on me.
I was fascinated by the trial scene. I had never understood what racism in the 1930s would actually have looked like. I couldn’t believe that Scout, Jem and Dill were just given seats by adult black
people. The idea that white children had priority over black adults seemed very odd to me. Obviously, the most memorable section of the trial was Atticus’ closing argument. His final lines – “For the love of God, do your duty. For the love of God, believe him” – are some of the most powerful lines I’ve ever read.
An earlier scene also struck me quite forcefully. Before the trial, when Tom is being held in the local jail, Atticus goes to sit outside the jail in order to guard him. Against his orders, the children sneak out to watch him. When a mob of men pulls up, intending to seize Tom, Scout misunderstands their intent and leaps into the middle of them. Atticus shows real fear for his children at this point, demonstrating a side to his character we hadn’t seen before.
Harper Lee displayed great talent in writing this book. She essentially wrote two stories – one about Boo Radley, and another about Tom Robinson. However, she blended the two narratives together so
carefully, the book does not seem disjointed. Each story contributes something to Scout’s growing maturity, which is one of the most important themes in the book.
For all these reasons, I really believe that “To Kill a Mockingbird” deserves the award. Thank you for your consideration,
Yours faithfully,
Joe Bloggs
RSS Feed