'The Twisted Tree': how the writer builds tension
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how tension is built in 'The Twisted Tree'.
Key learning points
- The novel gets more frightening and tense as it progresses, because of the increasing threat to Martha's life.
- Writers often raise tension by introducing uncertainty, conflict or time pressure into stories.
- Inferences should be developed to include additional interpretations.
- Burge uses elements of the Gothic to raise the tension when Martha enters the twisted tree for the first time.
Keywords
Inference - a conclusion you reach by applying logic to the evidence you are given
Tension - a feeling of nervousness or worry when reading a text
The Gothic - a style of writing that involves dark, mysterious and supernatural themes
Time pressure - introduction of a deadline or time limit for characters to achieve their goals
Common misconception
Pupils might believe that tension in a story is only created through dramatic events or actions.
Tension can also be built through subtle elements like descriptive language, sensory details and the anticipation of what might happen next.
Teacher tip
You could encourage pupils to use a tension graph to visually plot how tension rises in books or movies they have recently engaged with as an additional activity for Learning Cycle 2.
Equipment
You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Stories typically include an exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and a resolution. This structure is typically referred to as a narrative ...
Q2.Which definition best describes the resolution in the structure of a story?
Q3.Which word best describes the overall tone of the Gothic genre?
Q4.What is an inference?
Q5.Which of the below are reasonable synonyms of the word 'jeering'?
Q6.The Gothic as a genre first appeared in the century.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is tension?
Q2.What is one way writers create tension?
Q3.Writers can introduce tension by adding time pressure, uncertainty or conflict. Match these to examples from 'The Twisted Tree'.
Q4.Which word describes a style of writing with dark, mysterious and supernatural themes?
Q5.Throughout the story of 'The Twisted Tree' the tension ...
Q6.In 'The Twisted Tree', the twisted tree itself is described as 'jeering' at Martha. What device is this?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': how the writer builds tension, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': how the writer builds tension, 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 'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.