Figure 1 The pattern that students were asked to follow in writing their essays

Introduction

Before - describe background information about what kind of job the character does, what he /she looks like, his/her personality, where he/ she lives, his/her hobbies, dreams, etc.

Body

During - describe something significant that happens to him/her. Start this paragraph with 'One Day...'

Conclusion

After - summarise the first two paragraphs very briefly, then say what happened eventually, what the future will be after the event, etc.