Writing the build-up of ‘The BFG’ (part two)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the second part of a narrative build-up 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.
- Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner describe the action in the main clause in further detail.
- 'Show-not-tell' language shows a character’s feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions.
Keywords
Text flow - how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
'show-not-tell' - shows a character’s feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions
Complex sentence - a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Common misconception
Pupils may find it difficult to remember the comma rule in a complex sentence.
Commas are only needed in a complex sentence when the subordinate clause comes first. Remind pupils that if the subordinate clause comes second, they do not need a comma before the subordinating conjunction.
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the three key moments of the second part of the build-up in chronological order.
Q2.Choose an appropriate fronted adverbial to start the following sentence: '__________ the girl sprinted across the room.'
Q3.Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
Q4.Which of these nouns must start with a capital letter?
Q5.Which is the adverbial phrase in the following sentence? 'In shock, Sophie leaned out of the window.'
Q6.Match each word class to its example.
potion
brightest
bulged
rapidly
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of the build-up?
Q2.True or false? If a scene builds up suspense, it makes the viewer feel sad.
Q3.A sentence is formed of a main clause and a subordinate clause joined by a subordinating conjunction.
Q4.Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Q5.Match each sentence type to its example.
Her legs began to tremble.
Her breathing quickened and she stifled a scream.
As she hid under the covers, her heart pounded in her chest.
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 two), 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 two), 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.