Writing the opening of 'A Christmas Carol'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a narrative opening based on ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Key learning points
- The introduction of Scrooge’s character greatly contrasts the general Christmas atmosphere in the opening.
- Precise vocabulary, including ‘show and tell’ and direct speech, conveys a character’s traits and feelings.
- Using a range of simple, compound and complex sentences supports text flow.
- A relative complex sentence uses a relative pronoun (who or which) to provide greater detail about a noun.
- Inverted commas are used to demarcate speech and a piece of punctuation separates speech from the reporting clause.
Keywords
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
Text flow - how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
Relative complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause
Common misconception
Children may assume that any mention of character speech is direct speech, because that has been the focus in the lesson.
Model how speech can still be indirectly reported within the opening alongside direct speech. E.g. 'Scrooge muttered insults at all those he passed.'
Teacher tip
Ensure children have access to their plan to support them in their writing. Additionally, ensure there is a clear model of correctly punctuated direct speech available for the children to refer to.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? When writing character speech, 'said' is the only verb you can use in the reporting clause.
Q2.Which piece of punctuation is used to enclose the words a character speaks?
Q3.How do you use your plan to support you when writing?
Q4.Why is it important to use a range of sentence types in your writing?
Q5.Match the sentence types to their definitions.
a sentence made of just one main clause with just one idea
a sentence formed of two main clauses and a joining word
a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
Q6.True or false? When describing Scrooge, I don't need to mention or describe the setting at all.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the sentence types to their definitions.
a sentence made of just one main clause with just one idea
a sentence formed of two main clauses and a joining word
a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause
a sentence formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause
Q2.How do you form a relative complex sentence?
Q3.Which two places can the relative subordinate clause appear in a sentence?
Q4.Which of the following are relative pronouns used to begin a relative subordinate clause?
Q5.Put the following in the correct order to show how to punctuate direct speech when the speech comes first.
Q6.True or false? It is important to read over my writing when I have finished.
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing the opening of 'A Christmas Carol', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing the opening of 'A Christmas Carol', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'A Christmas Carol': narrative writing and reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.