Vivid descriptive writing using Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’ as stimulus
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a vivid description inspired by Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line' which captures some of Alfred’s experiences and memories of the front line.
Key learning points
- Many writers use vivid description to convey the horrors of the front line.
- Beck shows the depth of Alfred’s trauma when the noise and sight of washing transports him back to the front line.
- A vivid description is the result of careful planning and close attention to methods.
Keywords
Vivid - clear, powerful, realistic
Wilfred Owen - a British soldier and poet (1893-1918) best known for his poems about World War One
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; language choices, setting, characterisation are all examples
Single paragraph outline - a way to plan a paragraph in which you write the first and last sentence, and carefully consider the details you want to capture in the paragraph
Common misconception
You can only use single paragraph outlines to plan analytical writing.
We structure so much of our writing using paragraphs. All paragraphs, whether creative or analytical or something else, require a clear and carefully planned structure.
Teacher tip
Consider how long you wish to give pupils to plan and write, and work out the rest of the timings of the lesson from there.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2014 edition of Stories of World War One, edited by Tony Bradman to read 'Propping Up the Line' by Ian Beck.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Propping Up The Line', which activity in England transports Alfred back to life in the trenches?
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred describes the washing on the line and compares the clothes to flags. What method does Beck use to do this?
Q3.Wilfred Owen was a British soldier and poet, best known for his poetry about World War One. Which of these poems did he write?
Q4.Wilfred Owen, a British soldier and poet, was best known for his poetry about World War One. What are his poems known for?
Q5.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred listens to the washing in the wind and tries to catch his breath as saw what moving on the lawn?
Q6.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred describes the washing on the line and remembers the barbed wire of the war and the that were trapped in it.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the first plot point, order this short sequence from 'Propping Up The Line' in chronological order.
Q2.In 'Propping Up The Line', Alfred compares the washing on the line to the "fragments" trapped by barbed wire. What might this reveal about Alfred?
Q3.Many writers use description to convey the horrors of the front line.
Q4.Wilfred Owen was a British soldier and poet. His poem 'Mental Cases' includes the line, " they must see these things and hear them".
Q5.Wilfred Owen was a British soldier and poet. His poem 'Mental Cases' includes the line, "their eyeballs tormented Back into their brains".
Q6.Wilfred Owen was a British soldier and poet. His poem 'Mental Cases' includes the line, "Dawn breaks open like a wound that bleeds ".
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Vivid descriptive writing using Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’ as stimulus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Vivid descriptive writing using Ian Beck's ‘Propping Up The Line’ as stimulus, 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 Literary perspectives from the First World War unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.