Using a motif in your writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can successfully use a motif in my writing.
Key learning points
- A motif is a recurring image or ideas.
- Writers use motifs to build up imaginative layers of meaning.
- Shakespeare uses a motif of light to show Romeo’s impression of Juliet.
- Motifs need to be dynamic, using a range of techniques.
- You can use metaphors, personification and comparison when creating a motif.
Keywords
Yonder - some distance away, over there
Envious - wishing you had what someone else has
To entreat - to beg or implore
Dynamic - characterised by energy or action
Common misconception
It is easy to confuse motifs with extended metaphors.
A motif uses recurring elements that can employ a range of techniques. An extended metaphor is a sustained comparison across a text.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to consider how they could use a range of images. Darkness or snow would be imaginatively rich.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the best definition of personification?
Q2.Which of the following is the best definition of a metaphor?
Q3.If we use a word literally, how do we use it?
Q4.When we make comparisons, what are we doing?
Q5.Which famous playwright wrote the play 'Romeo and Juliet'?
Q6.In the following speech, Romeo says, "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?/It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." What is the motif that Shakespeare is using?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words on the left with the synonyms on the right
there
jealous
plead
energetic
Q2.Which of the following is the best definition of a motif?
Q3.Match the techniques on the left with their definitions on the right.
taking words in thier usual or most basic sense
using a figure of speech that says someting is another thing
when human characteristics are given to non human things
examining similarities and differences between two or more things
Q4.Which sentence below is an example of a metaphor?
Q5.If I say that the car quarrelled with me, what literary device am I using?
Q6.If you wanted to use the motif of darkness, which of the following would you not use?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using a motif in your writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using a motif in your writing, 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 Taking a stand unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.