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      Considering sentence structures in Bilan's 'Asha and the Spirit Bird'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I explain and emulate how Bilan uses multiple adjectives, prepositions, and embedded clauses in 'Asha and the Spirit Bird'.

      Key learning points

      1. Using two adjectives in front of a noun creates a detailed description.
      2. Prepositions indicate relationships between words in a sentence and may help us better understand and visualise a scene.
      3. Embedded clauses add extra information and detail to a scene that help us better understand and visualise it.
      4. Using three adjectives at the end of a sentence creates a multi-layered description.

      Keywords

      • Adjective - a word that describes a noun or pronoun

      • Preposition - a word that connects a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun to another word

      • Precise - exact and accurate

      • Clause - a group of words that contain a subject and a verb

      • Embedded - existing or firmly attached within something or under a surface

      Common misconception

      That prepositions aren't an important focal point for descriptive writing.

      Not only do prepositions indicate the relationship between words, but they also influence our perception of people based on their body language and positioning in a scene.

      Teacher tip

      You could ask the students to practise the techniques by giving them another animal to write their own description.

      Equipment

      You will need a copy of the Chicken House Books edition of ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’ by Jasbinder Bilan.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      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 is an adjective?

      the person, place or object that is doing the action
      a doing, being or having word
      Correct answer: a word that describes or modifies a noun

      Q2.
      What is the purpose of descriptive writing?

      to convince the reader of your argument
      Correct answer: to write in a detailed and interesting way
      to lay out information in a factual way

      Q3.
      Which of the following uses the triple technique?

      Correct answer: it was bright, luminescent, radiant
      it sparkled and shone like the rising sun
      it was wondrously glowing

      Q4.
      What is a preposition?

      Correct answer: a word that shows direction and place etc.
      the person, place or thing that is doing the action
      a word that modifies an adjective, verb or adverb

      Q5.
      What is an embedded clause?

      a clause at the beginning of a sentence
      Correct answer: a clause in the middle of a sentence
      a clause at the end of a sentence

      Q6.
      Which of the following adjectives creates an intimidating impression?

      timid
      Correct answer: colossal
      taut

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following words is an adjective?

      prowling
      Correct answer: golden
      fire

      Q2.
      Which of the following sentences uses an embedded clause?

      Prowling back and forth, the tiger stared at Asha.
      Correct answer: The tiger, prowling back and forth, stared at Asha.
      The tiger stared at Asha while prowling back and forth.

      Q3.
      In Bilan's 'Asha and the Spirit Bird', the tiger's skin was described as...

      Correct answer: amber
      tawny
      orange

      Q4.
      Precise means...

      something inaccurate
      Correct answer: something accurate
      something interesting
      something vague

      Q5.
      A clause is...

      a group of words that do not make sense on their own
      Correct answer: a group of words with a subject and a verb
      a group of words with a subject and preposition

      Q6.
      In Bilan's 'Asha and the Spirit Bird', the notion of Asha inching "forward" towards the tiger indicates...

      that she is scared of the tiger
      Correct answer: that she is not scared of the tiger
      that she's trying to avoid the tiger
      that she thinks the tiger is beautiful

      To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Considering sentence structures in Bilan's 'Asha and the Spirit Bird', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...