Starter quiz
- Where is 'A Christmas Carol' set?
- London ✓
- Liverpool
- Bristol
-
- What does atmosphere mean?
- how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
- a word or words that tell the reader where a noun is
- the tone or mood created in a narrative ✓
-
- What type of atmosphere is conveyed in the setting of London at Christmas?
- one of misery
- one of joy ✓
- one of fear
-
- What is the name of the main character in 'A Christmas Carol'?
- the ghost of Christmas past
- Charles Dickens
- the ghost of Christmas future
- Ebenezer Scrooge ✓
-
- What is the name used to describe a main character in a narrative?
- the hero
- the protagonist ✓
- the villain
-
- True or false? If the main character is introduced at the beginning of a story, describing them is a key part of the opening.
- True ✓
- False
Exit quiz
- What does an author do in the opening of a narrative?
- provides a description of the setting ✓
- builds tension for the reader
- introduces and describes the main characters ✓
- resolves the problem
-
- What does 'contrast' mean?
- the differences between two or more things ✓
- the similarities between two or more things
- the words chosen by the author
-
- Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.
- contrast⇔the comparison of two or more elements that are strikingly different ✓
- miser⇔a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible ✓
- disdain⇔the feeling that something is unworthy of consideration or respect ✓
- What is the name for when a group of words is used to describe a noun?
- expanded noun phrase ✓
- fronted adverbial
- personification
-
- True or false? I can only use one noun to refer to Scrooge.
- True
- False ✓
- How can I 'show and tell' the reader about Scrooge's character and feelings when describing his movements?
- through the use of precise nouns
- through the use of alliteration
- through the use of precise verbs and adverbs ✓
-
Worksheet
Loading worksheet ...
Presentation
Loading presentation ...
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- The purpose of the opening is to set the scene and introduce the main characters.
- Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who holds disdain for Christmas and this contrasts the general atmosphere in the setting.
- The use of precise and descriptive vocabulary ‘shows and tells’ the reader about Scrooge’s character.
- Direct speech is an effective way to convey a character’s thoughts and feelings.
- An effective plan captures key vocabulary and is organised concisely.
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to generate some of their own ideas for precise and ambitious vocabulary.
Model use of a thesaurus and brainstorm ideas as a class to up level simple pieces of vocabulary. For example, instead of 'walked', children might use 'trudged', 'dragged' or 'stomped'.
Keywords
Opening - the first section of a story where the writer describes the setting and main characters
Contrast - the comparison of two or more elements that are strikingly different
'show and tell' - a writing technique for showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Plan - a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text
+