Watch: What is context?
Context means setting your story in the right situation and using the right types of word for that kind of story.
If you're writing a spooky story, it should be set somewhere scary and have frightening characters.
If you decide to write a fairy story, you could set it in a magical kingdom ruled by a King and Queen.
What is context?
Narrator: So you want to write scary stories do you Frank?
You might have planned your story, thought about its purpose, and researched your audience, but have you thought about context?
Don’t worry Frank, context is not as complicated as it sounds.
It just means setting the story in the right situation and using the right kind of words so that the reader can understand what is going on.
Imagine if you were with your friends on the teacup ride at the fair, being chased by a gentle granny!
You wouldn’t be scared would you?
Granny: WoooOOOoooo!
Narrator: I’m sure you can imagine a much spookier context.
Ah yes, the ghost train, that’s more like it!
Howling wind…and a full moon!
Granny: WooOOOOooooOOO!!
Narrator: Ahhhh! And a terrifying granny on the loose.
Frank! Where’s everyone gone?
Aarrgghh … I can’t watch.
Oh err, I think you’ve, err, changed the context a little too much for me.
Cya Frank!
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