the building of action and suspense that leads up to the climax in a narrative

a state of feeling excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen

descriptions that include touch, sight, taste, sound and smell

a writing technique for showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions

Planning the build up of 'A Christmas Carol'

English

In the current unit, pupils write a shorter narrative based on a film. In 'The Robin’, pupils write a narrative based on a film clip from beginning to end.

In 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', pupils developed the skill of writing speech sentences. In this unit, pupils will learn to write a short narrative based on a film.

In this unit, pupils explore A Christmas Carol, learning about its context and developing comprehension through targeted questions. They analyse characterisation, themes, and the story's ending. Pupils then plan and write a setting description, along with the opening, build-up and climax.

'A Christmas Carol': narrative writing and reading

Scrooge returned home and felt initially relieved.

Strange noises filled the house and Scrooge began to feel uneasy.

Scrooge became panicked by ringing bells and the Ghost of Marley appeared.

Marley warned Scrooge of his cruel ways and the ghosts that would visit him.

Put the following events in the build-up of 'A Christmas Carol' in the correct order.

What kind of atmosphere is conveyed in Scrooge's home during the build-up?

True or false? It is most important to describe what can be seen when conveying the atmosphere within a setting.

flickering shadows cast by the candlelight

icy draft blew through the narrow hallways

Match the senses to the examples given to convey an eerie atmosphere within Scrooge's home.

telling the reader exactly how a character feels

showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions

words that appear frequently within a story

Scrooge felt a tingling sensation throughout his body.

Scrooge shook uncontrollably, unable to speak a word.

Scrooge’s body relaxed and he exhaled deeply.

Match the following emotions Scrooge feels to the appropriate examples of 'show and tell'.

Put the following in the order in which they appear in a narrative.

Scrooge's disdain for Christmas contrasts the joyous festive atmosphere.

Scrooge finds his Christmas spirit while strolling the streets of London.

Scrooge appears happy while those around him show discontent.

Which of the following accurately summarises the opening of 'A Christmas Carol'?

a feeling of comfort and security about what is to come

a feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen

a feeling of excitement and joy for what is being experienced

a single line or group of lines in a poem or song

the name or label given to a piece of writing

a section of writing that groups together related sentences or ideas

True or false? Paragraphs are always about completely different ideas and there is no connection between them.

in bullet points containing key vocabulary

When planning a section of a narrative, how should the notes be organised and written?

Starter Quiz