Starter quiz
- 'Not settled, solved or brought to resolution' is the definition of which word beginning with 'u'?
- 'unresolved' ✓
- A sentence containing one clause is the definition of which of the following?
- simple sentence ✓
- compound sentence
- complex sentence
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- 'A sentence that is missing either its subject or its main verb' is the definition of a sentence ...
- 'fragment' ✓
- 'Mental or emotional strain' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
- 'tension' ✓
- 'When a word imitates the sound it makes' is the definition of which word?
- onomatopoeia ✓
- alliteration
- sibilance
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- 'Sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like 'p,' 'b' or 't' is the definition of which of the following?
- euphonic
- fricative
- sibilant
- plosive ✓
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Exit quiz
- 'A plot device in which an element of a story is left unresolved' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
- 'cliffhanger' ✓
- At the end of Tolkien's 'The Two Towers', the cliffhanger is ...
- that Gandalf is left fighting a Balrog.
- that the battle of Helm's Deep has begun.
- that Frodo has been captured in Mordor. ✓
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- 'Sudden and unexpected' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
- 'abrupt' ✓
- 'Likely to arouse a strong reaction' is the definition of which word beginning with 'p'?
- 'provocative' ✓
- Which of the following words does Tolkien end 'The Two Towers' on?
- "Mordor"
- "Frodo"
- "Enemy" ✓
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- "bars", "darkness" and "taken" - all these words begin with what type of sound?
- euphonic
- fricative
- plosive ✓
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- A writer might use a cliffhanger to create tension or subvert the reader's expectations around resolutions.
- Tolkien uses sentence fragments and simple sentences to create an abrupt tone.
- Furthermore, Tolkien uses onomatopoeia and plosive sounds to add to the tension.
- By ending on the provocative word "Enemy", Tolkien leaves the reader with a heightened sense of unease.
Common misconception
That cliffhangers are only designed to make the reader carry on reading.
Cliffhangers can entice the reader to continue reading, but they can also create tension and subvert the reader's expectations.
Keywords
Cliffhanger - a plot device in which an element of a story is left unresolved
Tension - mental or emotional strain
Unresolved - not settled, solved or brought to resolution
Provocative - likely to arouse a strong reaction
Abrupt - sudden and unexpected
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