The second attempt

Text: an original contemporary feature-style practice extract.

The glassblower drew a glowing gather from the furnace and turned the pipe without pause. Orange light travelled around the glass as it spun. At the front of the audience, I followed the widening shape, waiting for the neat curve of a vase. The craftsperson pressed a wooden tool against the glass. The curve buckled; a crease ran down one side. A few people shifted in their seats.

The glassblower stopped turning. For several seconds, the only movement came from the furnace’s wavering reflection on the workshop wall. Then the pipe was set down. The misshapen glass was cut away, and the craftsperson began again, drawing out another gather. This time the turns were slower. The tool touched the glass, lifted, then touched it once more. Nobody spoke. The new shape held, though its rim leaned slightly to the left.

I had expected the demonstration to end with an object ready for a shelf. Instead, the glassblower placed the piece aside and reached for the pipe again. The audience stayed quiet; there was no applause to mark a finish. On the wall, the furnace reflection continued to tremble, making even the still tools seem to be waiting.

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader.

In your answer, consider:

• language features and techniques
• structural techniques
• the effect on the reader.

Support your views with detailed reference to the extract.