'The Twisted Tree': introducing thesis statements
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a clear thesis statement about 'The Twisted Tree'.
Key learning points
- An introduction to an analytical essay should include a clear thesis statement.
- A clear thesis statement should introduce your over-arching argument for the essay and clearly answer the question.
- A clear thesis statement should deal with the whole of the novel and how the theme or character develops.
- A thoughtful thesis statement should consider the writer's intentions.
Keywords
Thesis - the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text
Overarching - the most important thing, that affects all others
Annotate - to make and add notes or short explanations to texts or images
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create drama, including language choices
Common misconception
A thesis statement only needs to focus on one part of the book.
A thesis statement should address the overarching argument of your essay, which means it needs to consider the entire text.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to use sticky notes to mark key moments in the text that relate to their thesis statement. This will help them visualise how different parts of the book support their overarching argument and make it easier to reference specific quotes and events in their essays.
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.In 'The Twisted Tree' the draugr is finally killed by ...
Q2.Which of the below are examples of methods used by a writer?
Q3.If something is described as 'the most important thing, that affects all others' then it is ...
Q4.The 'overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text' is known as a ...
Q5.If we are 'making and adding notes or short explanations to texts or images' then we are it.
Q6.A topic sentence will usually come of a paragraph.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.You may write several essays in your lifetime. Match the essay term to its definition.
a piece of writing that explains and develops an argument
overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text
first sentence of a paragraph, giving it direction/purpose
Q2.When given an essay question about 'The Twisted Tree', you should annotate it. What does it mean to annotate an essay question?
Q3.Many essay questions will start with the word 'How'. What does the 'How' in an essay question refer to?
Q4.Here is an essay question about 'The Twisted Tree': 'How does Burge use the draugr to introduce the theme of the supernatural?' What are the key words in the question?
Q5.In what ways is a thesis statement different to a topic sentence?
Q6.What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an analytical essay?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': introducing thesis statements, 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': introducing thesis statements, 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.