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      Planning the build-up of 'The BFG' (part two)

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can plan the second part of a build-up of a narrative based on ‘The BFG’.

      Key learning points

      1. The purpose of the build-up is to build up suspense and excitement.
      2. Precise and ambitious vocabulary is logged on a plan for future use.
      3. Notes should not be written in full sentences and bullet points can be used to make notes clear.
      4. Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner indicate when, where and how action takes place.
      5. 'Show-not-tell' language shows a character’s feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions.

      Keywords

      • Plan - a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text

      • Notes - written out of full sentences

      • Ambitious vocabulary - high-level language in writing that meets the text purpose

      • Suspense - when you are feeling anxious or excited about what may happen

      Common misconception

      Pupils may think they need to write full sentences on their plan.

      Plans are written to support pupils with future writing. Plans include ambitious vocabulary in note form.

      Teacher tip

      Re-watch part two of the build-up of the film as many times as needed to support pupils with generating vocabulary. Encourage pupils to think about the senses: what can they see and what can they hear?

      Equipment

      You will need access to the 1989 film version of 'The BFG' for this lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Put the sections of a narrative in chronological order.

      1 - opening
      2 - build-up
      3 - climax
      4 - resolution

      Q2.
      What linguistic device is 'From outside the window,' an example of?

      subordinating conjunction
      Correct answer: fronted adverbial of place
      expanded noun phrase
      main clause

      Q3.
      Which of the following is a complete sentence?

      The curious girl was mesmerised
      the curious girl was mesmerised.
      Correct answer: The curious girl was mesmerised.
      The curious, mesmerised girl.

      Q4.
      Match each word class to its example.

      Correct Answer:noun,safety
      Correct Answer:verb,twirled
      Correct Answer:adverb,quickly
      Correct Answer:adjective,colossal

      Q5.
      Which of these are the verbs in the following sentence? 'Her eyes bulged and she stared in amazement at the magical potion.'

      Correct answer: bulged
      eyes
      Correct answer: stared
      amazement
      magical

      Q6.
      Which of these is the adverbial phrase in the following sentence? 'In panic, Sophie hid under the covers.'

      hid
      Sophie
      covers
      Correct answer: In panic,

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main purpose of the build-up of a narrative?

      Correct answer: to build up suspense
      to introduce the characters
      to bring the story to a close
      to describe the main action

      Q2.
      Choose the appropriate fronted adverbial to start the following sentence: '__________ Sophie sprinted to her bed.'

      As a result,
      In the morning,
      Correct answer: As quick as a flash,
      Slowly,

      Q3.
      Put the three key moments of the second part of the build-up in chronological order.

      1 - The figure removed potion from a suitcase and he blew it out of his trumpet.
      2 - The figure turned towards Sophie and she ran to her bed.
      3 - Sophie hid under her covers as the giant's hand grabbed her.

      Q4.
      What is included in a plan?

      the title
      Correct answer: notes that can be written in bullet points
      paragraphs
      Correct answer: ambitious vocabulary
      full sentences

      Q5.
      True or false? This is a complete sentence: 'The figure and a long, golden trumpet.'

      Correct Answer: false, False

      Q6.
      How can a writer build suspense in their writing?

      subheadings
      Correct answer: short, snappy sentences
      co-ordinating conjunctions
      Correct answer: ellipsis
      main clauses

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Planning the build-up of 'The BFG' (part two), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...