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      Generating vocabulary to write a narrative based on 'Jabberwocky'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can generate precise vocabulary to use in my narrative based on ‘Jabberwocky’.

      Key learning points

      1. 'Jabberwocky' can be interpreted to follow this narrative structure: opening, build-up, climax, resolution.
      2. Accurate and ambitious descriptions of the characters and setting rely on careful and precise language choices.
      3. Some vocabulary is more precise than others; careful vocabulary choice is paramount to evoke setting and atmosphere.
      4. Different nouns and adjectives are used to refer to characters to avoid repetition.
      5. Imagining colours as we write helps us choose ambitious vocabulary that describes images as positive or negative.

      Keywords

      • Adjective - a person, place or thing

      • Noun - describes a noun

      • Verb - a doing, being or having word

      • Character - a person, animal or thing in a story

      • Setting - where a story is set

      Common misconception

      Pupils may use adjective choices that are not precise enough or appropriate for this narrative.

      Create a shared word bank for the characters and setting that pupils can refer to.

      Teacher tip

      Ask pupils to share their vocabulary ideas using mini-whiteboards or vocally before showing the vocabulary on the slides. Encourage collaborative approaches to sharing and generating vocabulary.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
      What is the definition of a noun?

      an object
      a describing word
      Correct answer: a naming word for a person, place or thing
      Jabberwock

      Q2.
      An adjective describes a...

      Correct Answer: noun, Noun

      Q3.
      What is this an example of? 'the fiery, burning-red eyes'

      adverb
      Correct answer: expanded noun phrase
      complex sentence
      adjectives

      Q4.
      Match the word class to its example.

      Correct Answer:verb,approached

      approached

      Correct Answer:adjective,mythical

      mythical

      Correct Answer:noun,creatures

      creatures

      Correct Answer:adverb,quietly

      quietly

      Q5.
      Complete this sentence with the most appropriate word. Language in narrative writing is...

      factual
      Correct answer: descriptive
      formal
      funny

      Q6.
      Order the sections of a story staircase chronologically.

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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Order the key moments of 'Jabberwocky'.

      1 - A father warns his son about a dangerous creature: the Jabberwock.
      2 - The boy looks in the woods for the Jabberwock.
      3 - The boy beheads the Jabberwock in a vicious fight.
      4 - The boy returns home to his delighted father.

      Q2.
      What is another way you could refer to the boy?

      it
      Correct answer: the gallant, young man
      the jolly man
      Correct answer: the brave son
      the over-excited child

      Q3.
      Where is 'Jabberwocky' set?

      a farm
      Correct answer: a magical forest
      a huge, bustling city
      a quiet town

      Q4.
      Which are appropriate adjectives to describe the Jabberwock?

      cute
      Correct answer: savage
      welcoming
      friendly
      Correct answer: deadly

      Q5.
      Which are appropriate verbs to describe how the creatures move?

      Correct answer: writhing
      trotting
      Correct answer: slithering
      prancing
      Correct answer: lurking

      Q6.
      Match the key moment to its section in the story staircase.

      Correct Answer:opening,A father warns his son about a dangerous creature: the Jabberwock.

      A father warns his son about a dangerous creature: the Jabberwock.

      Correct Answer:build-up,The boy looks in the woods for the Jabberwock.

      The boy looks in the woods for the Jabberwock.

      Correct Answer:climax,The boy beheads the Jabberwock in a vicious fight.

      The boy beheads the Jabberwock in a vicious fight.

      Correct Answer:resolution,The boy returns home to his delighted father.

      The boy returns home to his delighted father.


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