Writing the second half of a narrative climax scene in 'When The Sky Falls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the second half of a narrative climax scene in ’When The Sky Falls’, using a range of techniques to build tension and show fast-paced action.
Key learning points
- Writing is most successful when structure, content and vocabulary is planned.
- Our climax should have a tense, fast-paced mood.
- We can combine descriptive details and emotive details to paint a clear picture for the reader.
- We can use a range of linguistic techniques and cohesive devices for increasing the pace.
- We use precise vocabulary to add to the impression of speed.
Keywords
Climax - the point in the narrative where the suspense and excitement reach their highest point
Mood - the feeling or atmosphere in a section of text
Descriptive details - details that tell us what a character is experiencing (seeing hearing, doing, smelling) during a scene
Emotive details - details that tell us what a character is feeling and thinking during a scene
Precise vocabulary - vocabulary chosen to create a particular impression or to have a particular effect on the reader
Common misconception
Pupils may forget to cover the 'events' of the story while focusing on descriptive and emotive details.
Ensure that you emphasise the need to move the action forwards and that you model this in oral rehearsal.
Teacher tip
Remind pupils that varying their sentence length is key to creating a tense, fast-paced climax that is also rich in descriptive and emotive detail.
Licence
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 parts of the climax of 'When the Sky Falls' are we including in our narrative retelling?
Q2.Why do we want to give a sense of 'speed' in our narrative retelling of the climax of 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q3.Match the features of writing a narrative climax to the examples.
an explosion shattered the buildings to his left
he was determined to press onwards
he threw himself on through the burning chaos
Q4.Which technique for increasing pace and tension is shown here? 'Then it came. A hail of fire from above. A cascade of destruction.'
Q5.Which cohesive device for increasing pace and tension is shown here? 'Only one thought dominated his mind: what would Mrs F want him to do?'
Q6.Which examples combine these two ideas correctly using cohesive devices? 'An explosion shook the ground. Joseph pressed on regardless.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What attributes does Joseph show in the climax section of 'When the Sky Falls' that we have written?
Q2.What mood have we aimed to set in our narrative retelling of the climax of 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q3.Which technique for increasing pace and tension is shown here? 'Why had he even come? What could he possibly achieve? How could he do anything in this chaos?'
Q4.Which techniques for increasing pace and tension are shown here? 'Suddenly, above him, he saw the bombers turning again, racing down to attack him.'
Q5.What is the effect of using a succession of simple sentences in our writing?
Q6.If this passage comes at the end of our climax, what punctuation might follow it? 'Joseph knew he had to do his duty. No matter what'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the second half of a narrative climax scene in 'When The Sky Falls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the second half of a narrative climax scene in 'When The Sky Falls', 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 'When the Sky Falls': narrative and journalistic report writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.