A familiar story told differently
Original practice source: a commentary about retelling stories.
A familiar story can provide a shared starting point for a new interpretation. Changing the viewpoint may make an overlooked character visible or reveal a question which the older arrangement did not emphasise. A retelling can be a response rather than a replacement.
Familiarity can also be used as a shortcut. If the new work depends entirely on recognition, it may offer little beyond changed labels. Readers need to understand what kind of version they are encountering, while the retelling still needs choices which make sense within its own form. Recognising the source of a story does not automatically explain the value of the new one.
An arts magazine is inviting articles on the statement: “Familiar stories should not be changed when they are retold.”
Write an article for the magazine arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.