'The Twisted Tree': introduction to script writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand and identify the features that make up a script.
Key learning points
- A script contains stage directions, character names and dialogue.
- Scripts are structured for performance and must be formatted differently from prose.
- Stage directions provide instructions for actors on movement, behaviour and speech.
- Characters are clearly identified in a script with profiles and names labelled for dialogue.
- Setting the scene in a script includes detailed descriptions of time, place and atmosphere.
Keywords
Script - the written text of a play, including dialogue and instructions for performance
Stage directions - instructions in the script that tell actors where to go, how to move and how to speak
Dialogue - the spoken words between characters in a play
Act - a major division within a play, often encompassing several scenes
Scene - a subdivision of an act, typically set in a single location and time
Common misconception
A script is just dialogue between characters and doesn't need any other elements
While dialogue is a crucial part of a script, it's not the only component. A script also includes stage directions, which provide important instructions on how actors should move, behave, and speak.
Teacher tip
To make the lesson more interactive and engaging, incorporate role-playing activities where students can act out scenes from the script. Assign roles to different students and have them perform in front of the class - particularly with the script they create in 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.What is a script?
Q2.What term describes the spoken words between characters in a script?
Q3.What does the term 'scene' refer to in a script?
Q4.What is an 'act' in a play?
Q5.What is the main purpose of a script?
Q6.If 'The Twisted Tree' was turned into a play, the opening stage directions would outline the setting in detail. Which of the below would be correct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is being described here: 'the written text of a play, including dialogue and instructions for performance.'?
Q2.Which of these is NOT a feature of a script?
Q3.Which of the below is correct?
Q4.What are the purpose of stage directions in a script for actors?
Q5.Plays often begin with detailed stage directions of the setting. Why?
Q6.Match these terms related to script writing to their definitions.
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': introduction to script writing, 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': introduction to script 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 'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.