Writing the build-up of 'The BFG' (part one)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the first part of a build-up of a narrative based on ‘The BFG’.
Key learning points
- The purpose of the build-up is to build tension and suspense.
- Saying sentences aloud before they are written helps to check for sense.
- Using the full range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
- A rhetorical question engages the reader and makes them feel more curious about the narrative.
- Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner describe the action in the main clause in further detail.
Keywords
Text flow - how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Rhetorical question - a question asked to the reader that does not expect an answer
Suspense - when you are feeling anxious or excited about what may happen
Common misconception
Pupils might write about moments that take place later in the narrative.
The first part of the build-up follows a clear, chronological order that includes the three key moments from pupils' plans.
Teacher tip
Pupils should be given lots of opportunities to say sentences aloud or to write sentences on whiteboards, using the notes from their plan ahead of writing.
Equipment
You will need access to the 1989 film version of 'The BFG' for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the three key moments of the first part of the build-up in chronological order.
Q2.Choose an appropriate fronted adverbial to start this sentence: '__________ the figure edged towards her.'
Q3.Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
Q4.Which of these nouns must start with a capital letter?
Q5.Which is the adverbial phrase in this sentence? 'In panic, Sophie ducked below the window.'
Q6.Match the word class to its example.
ducked
nervously
street
dim
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of the build-up?
Q2.What is the purpose of a rhetorical question?
Q3.A sentence is formed of two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction.
Q4.Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Q5.Match the sentence type to its example.
It edged closer towards her.
Her legs began to shake and her heart pounded in her chest.
She peeked through the curtains as she gulped in fear.
Q6.Which sentence is written in the past tense?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Writing the build-up of 'The BFG' (part one), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Writing the build-up of 'The BFG' (part one), 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 'The BFG': reading and narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.