Writing successful blurb - efl lesson

While flitting across the blogosphere I came across the The Penguin Blog and saw an interesting post about what a successful blurb needs to have;

"According to Colin, the copywriter working on Lachlan's War, all blurbs need to have the following:

1) A hook - something to draw the reader into the story (I think all books need a hook, as well).

2) A powerful or atmospheric opening statement, as people browsing in bookshops often hold a title in their hands for a mere handful of seconds and if you fail to grab their attention in those seconds, you've lost them.

3) Emotion. To engage with any kind of writing - i.e. get a connection between author and reader – there must be an emotive response - whether it be suspense, tension, sadness, love, lust, joy, laughter, hate, fear etc.

4) A pay off or intrigue - a promise. This basically means leaving our prospective book buyer wanting to know more. It's a contract, if you like, between blurb and reader (though I don't think anyone ever successfully sued a blurb writer or author for defaulting)."

As well as applying this to books couldn't we also use the same principle in describing films, TV programmes, albums etc? It would certainly make for an interesting lesson, an alternative to writing reviews or summaries. I think I'll try this out in one of my private lessons this week.

Lesson plan

1 - Hand out photocopies of either book covers (if you have small classes or a library close at hand then why not use the books themselves) or DVDs.

2 - Explain to students what a blurb is. Use the books/DVDs as examples, if necessary.

3 - Students then read the blurb (discretely be on hand to help with an difficult vocabulary) and choose which book or movie would be the most interesting.

4 - Students discuss their choice with each other. Ask them how much the blurb influenced their decision.

5 - Give out a photocopy with the blurb advice given above. Explain any ideas or words that they don't understand and ask them to see if the blurb they read previously follows this advice. Make sure they give concrete examples.

6 - Students then think of a film or book which they think their partner might like.

7 - Using the advice given in the handout students write their own blurb for a film or book that would be suitable for their partner.

8 - Students read each others blurb and say if they would see the film/ read the book mentioned and why/why not. If they have already seen or read it then ask them how accurate the blurb is.

9 They post their blurb on their blog along with a picture and a link.