Writing paragraph one of the build up of 'A Christmas Carol' | English

Starter quiz

The build-up should heighten the suspense for the reader immediately.
- 'False' ✓
Put the following events for paragraph one of the build-up in the correct order.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge returns home.
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge feels relieved.
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge hears strange sounds.
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge feels uneasy but tries to shake it off.
- 5
  
  ⇔
  
  The sounds begin to sound like whispers.
- 6
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge becomes increasingly unnerved and concerned.
Match each sentence type to its definition.
- simple sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense ✓
- compound sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence formed of two main clauses and a coordinating conjunction ✓
- complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause ✓
True or false? In an adverbial complex sentence, the adverbial clause must come second.
- True
- False ✓
Which of the following conjunctions are used to begin an adverbial clause?
- while ✓
- and
- when ✓
- as ✓
- but
Which of the following are relative pronouns used to form a relative complex sentence?
- who ✓
- which ✓
- why
- what
- when

Exit quiz

Match each sentence type to its definition.
- simpe sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense ✓
- compound sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence formed of two main clauses and a coordiating conjunction ✓
- adverbial complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause ✓
- relative complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  a sentence formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause ✓
Match the sentence types to the examples given.
- simple sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  Just then, a whispering sound trickled through the corridors. ✓
- compound sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge shook his head and he told himself it must be the wind. ✓
- adverbial complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  As Scrooge arrived home, he considered how peaceful the silence was. ✓
- relative complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  The eerie noise, which sounded like whisperings, unnerved him. ✓
What is the name for the term that describes what a character thinks but does not say?
- direct speech
- ideas
- internal thoughts ✓
Match the emotion to the appropriate thought that conveys it.
- comfort
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge considered how grateful he was to be at home. ✓
- denial
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge reassured himself that everything must be fine. ✓
- nervousness
  
  ⇔
  
  Scrooge began to worry that something lurked in the darkness. ✓
Which of the following should you always do when writing a paragraph?
- Use the notes from your plan. ✓
- Use your memory to form sentences.
- Use the success criteria to guide you. ✓
- Orally rehearse a sentence before writing it. ✓
How do you begin a new paragraph?
- on a new line with an indentation ✓
- on a new line next to the margin
- in the middle of the page

Worksheet

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Presentation

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

The first paragraph of the build-up gradually conveys an eerie atmosphere, building suspense for the reader.
Precise vocabulary is used to describe sensory details and ‘show and tell’ conveys Scrooge’s emotions.
A range of sentence types supports text flow and the building of suspense.
Including a character’s internal thoughts communicates to the reader what a character is thinking and feeling.

Common misconception

Children may think the only way to convey Scrooge's thoughts is to use the phrase 'Scrooge thought'. They may struggle to incorporate different ways to incorporate his inner thoughts.

Highlight the different examples that convey Scrooge's internal thoughts and ask the children to spot the different verbs used instead of 'thought'. Other examples are 'considered', 'wondered', 'told himself'.

Keywords

Suspense - a state of feeling excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen
Sensory details - descriptions that include touch, sight, taste, sound and smell
'show and tell' - a writing technique for showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions
Internal thoughts - a character’s thoughts that are not spoken out loud