Writing a response on human nature in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a clear analytical response about human nature in the novel.
Key learning points
- Consider the first version of your work a first draft and not the finished essay.
- Redrafting your analytical writing is just as important as redrafting your creative writing.
- A clear and concise essay focuses on the writer’s use of methods.
- A successful essay offers a comprehensive explanation and exploration of the effects the writer’s methods.
- Asking yourself ‘why’ at each stage in the writing process helps you to maintain a focus on the writer’s intentions.
Keywords
Writer’s intentions - the writer's intentions are what they hope to achieve through writing the text
To redraft - to make changes and improvements to an existing piece of writing
Synonym - a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word e.g. fun and enjoyable
Common misconception
Students often think that the first attempt at their response is the finished version.
Redrafting your work has many benefits and the second attempt is always superior. Taking time to reflect on your work and identify areas for improvements allows you to recognise any lack of clarity in your explanations.
Teacher tip
Task B could be completed as a group using one student's work, or an essay you may wish to create. Doing this live with a class will show them that they are all capable of brilliant writing and will enable you to be able to distribute a response as an 'exemplar' piece.
Equipment
A copy of the Faber & Faber 1997 edition of 'Lord of the Flies' is essential for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does cohesive mean?
Q2.Which of the following words can you use to be tentative in your analysis?
Q3.What is a thesis statement?
Q4.What is a topic sentence?
Q5.Which of the following is an example of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q6.Match the character up to what they represent in 'Lord of the Flies'.
innate savagery and evil
democracy and civilisation
logic and reason
the innate good in man
true and terrifying human nature
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a synonym?
Q2.Which of the following words is a synonym for the word 'intention'?
Q3.Which question word implies that you need to maintain a keen focus on the writer's method?
Q4.How should you include context in your analytical response?
Q5.Which of the following contextual points might you use if you were discussing Golding's ideas about innate evil in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q6.Which of the following thesis statements (written about human nature in 'Lord of the Flies') is best?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Writing a response on human nature in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Writing a response on human nature in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', 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 'Lord of the Flies' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.