Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write brilliant topic sentences to convey my argument.
Key learning points
- When planning an opinion article, the message needs to be consistent - your opinion is your message.
- You should identify between 3 and 4 reasons or examples to support your opinion.
- Topic sentences help you to maintain a cohesive and convincing argument.
- Aim to make your topic sentences as engaging as possible, as they introduce each new section of your argument.
- Rhetorical devices (such as direct address) can be used to elevate your topic sentences.
Keywords
Escapism - seeking distraction or relief from unpleasant or tiresome realities
Conservative - traditional or resistant to change
Vicariously - experiencing something through someone else’s lived experience
Hyperbole - exaggerating something for effect
Provocative - something that causes a strong reaction from people or incites debate
Common misconception
Students often don't think to include rhetorical devices within their topic sentences.
Just because the topic sentences introduces the main idea for the paragraph, that does not mean the topic sentence can't be really creative and engaging. It's crucial that it is engaging to motivate the reader to learn more about the topic.
Teacher tip
The check for understanding in LC2 ('we do, you do') can be done as a class if you feel students are struggling a little. This could easily be done under a visualiser, with students contributing their ideas.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a topic sentence?
Q2.Why were Victorian audiences so interested in Gothic literature?
Q3.Which method below can you use to end an opinion article in an impactful way?
Q4.What is being described here: 'a confusing and difficult-to-answer problem or question.'?
Q5.Which of these is not a rhetorical device?
Q6.How can you create an engaging opening to an opinion piece?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of a topic sentence?
Q2.What is being described here: 'exaggerating something for effect.'?
Q3.Which of the following is the correct explanation of what provocative means?
Q4.How many reasons or supporting examples are ideal when planning an opinion piece?
Q5.What does the word 'vicariously' mean?
Q6.Complete this sentence: " help elevate basic topic sentences."
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature, 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 3 English lessons from the A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.