Starter quiz
- Arguably, writers may use short sentences in order to create a __________ atmosphere.
- peaceful
- leisurely
- tense ✓
- melancholy
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- Using images of light within a text typically creates a sense of __________.
- pessimism
- optimism ✓
- apathy
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- 'To say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of (someone)' is the definition of which word beginning with 'r'?
- 'reassure' ✓
- 'Two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect' is the definition of which word beginning with 'j'?
- 'juxtaposition' ✓
- 'The act of creating or using words that include sounds that are similar to the noises the words refer to' is the definition of which word?
- anaphora
- alliteration
- sibilance
- onomatopoeia ✓
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- Which of the following might the image of water symbolise in fiction writing?
- unpredictability ✓
- stability
- temporariness ✓
- safety
-
Exit quiz
- Match the ending with the definition.
- resolution⇔where any unanswered questions are answered ✓
- cliffhanger⇔an element of a story is left unresolved ✓
- anti-climax⇔something is less dramatic than expected ✓
- plot twist⇔a radical change in the direction or expected outcome ✓
- 'A feeling of nervousness that makes you unable to relax' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
- 'tension' ✓
- Which of the following endings, found in fiction writing, are most likely to cause the reader to feel tense?
- resolution
- cliffhanger ✓
- anti-climax
- plot twist ✓
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- Which of the following endings is most likely to make the reader feel reassured?
- resolution ✓
- cliffhanger
- anti-climax
- plot twist
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- 'Nervous and worried; unable to relax' is the definition of which word beginning with 'u'?
- 'unsettled' ✓
- 'To criticise or undermine the usual way of doing something or common values' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
- 'subvert' ✓
Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- We might find a resolution reassuring because it teaches us that society can return to order and justice will be done.
- A cliffhanger ending may create tension because it could imply that there will never be a satisfying ending to problems.
- We may find that an anti-climax subverts our expectations of what a ‘happy ending’ or ‘winning’ looks like.
- A plot twist might be unsettling as it could imply that we can’t predict outcomes or people’s behaviour.
Common misconception
It doesn't matter how you end a story - people will have the same emotional reaction.
The way that you end a story drastically impacts the lasting emotional impression and how a reader interprets the story.
Keywords
Reassure - say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of (someone)
Unsettled - nervous or worried; unable to relax
Subvert - to criticise or undermine the usual way of doing something or common values
Tension - a feeling of nervousness that makes you unable to relax
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