Exploring the theme of power in Hanan Al-Shaykh's ‘One Thousand and One Nights’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan and write two analytical paragraphs which explore the theme of power in Hanan Al-Shaykh’s ‘One Thousand and One Nights’.
Key learning points
- You can make connections between the frame story of 'One Thousand and One Nights' and the folktales themselves.
- The frame story and 'The Fisherman and the Jinni' both explore ideas about power.
- Arguably, the frame story and 'The Fisherman and the Jinni' show the power of stories over status or physical power.
- Single paragraph outlines are a way of planning an analytical paragraph.
- Analytical paragraphs should include a comment on the methods a writer has used to create their work.
Keywords
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; simile, adjective, and adverb are all examples of methods
Analysis - in English, this means looking at something carefully and considering why it was written in that way
Wit - humour, intelligence, quick-thinking
Single paragraph outline - a way of planning an analytical paragraph by preparing the first and final sentences, as well as your quotations
Frame story - a main story that surrounds shorter stories
Common misconception
The folktales have no connection to the frame story.
The folktales are being told by Shahrazad. The fact that she is trying to save her life by telling the stories is important. But more than this, you can also make connections between the ideas, plot and characters in the folktales to the frame story.
Teacher tip
Consider what support your pupils might need to select quotations in Learning Cycle 1. Might they need to watch you skim and scan the extract? Would working in pairs or groups support all pupils, or might you consider giving them a range of pre-selected quotations to choose from?
Equipment
You need access to a copy of the extract from 'One Thousand and One Nights' by Hanan Al-Shaykh published by Bloomsbury in 2013.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to its definition ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
the first sentence of a paragraph which states its main idea
in English, commenting on why a writer made particular decisions
the tools a writer uses to create their work
words from the text
Q2.In 'One Thousand and One Nights', why might we describe King Shahrayar as a tyrant? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q3.In 'One Thousand and One Nights', how do we know that Shahrazad is a formidable storyteller? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q4.Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'The Fisherman and the Jinni'? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire') in chronological order.
Q5.In what ways are 'One Thousand and One Night's' characters of Shahrazad and the fisherman similar? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q6.A is a device whereby a main story surrounds shorter stories. ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each aspect of a single paragraph outline to its function ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea
references to the text
a final sentence which sums up the paragraph
Q2.Match each piece of vocabulary to its definition ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
humour, intelligence, quick-thinking
powerful, strong, impressive
your rank or position
vulnerable, powerless
Q3.What is true of analysing quotations? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q4.Analytical paragraphs should begin with a which states the paragraph's main idea ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire').
Q5.Which sentences use the word formidable (or a form of it) correctly? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
Q6.Which sentences use the word wit correctly? ('Myths, legends and stories that inspire')
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Exploring the theme of power in Hanan Al-Shaykh's ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Exploring the theme of power in Hanan Al-Shaykh's ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, 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 Myths, legends and stories that inspire unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.