'The Twisted Tree': making impressive inferences about the tree
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use my knowledge of the Gothic to make impressive inferences about the tree.
Key learning points
- Inferences usually rely on things that haven’t been explicitly stated, but rather, hinted at or suggested.
- We can use connotations to help us make inferences about a particular word or phrase.
- Making links to the Gothic can make our inferences about 'The Twisted Tree' stronger.
- Effective analysis is developed and can include an additional inference.
Keywords
Inference - a conclusion you reach by applying logic to the evidence you are given.
Connotation - a feeling or idea that a word makes you think about, in addition to its basic meaning.
The Gothic - a style of writing that involves dark, mysterious, and supernatural themes.
Macabre - related to death and things that are creepy or horrifying.
Common misconception
Students might think that making an inference is the same as guessing randomly without any evidence.
Inferences are not random guesses. They are logical conclusions drawn from clues or evidence presented in the text or context.
Teacher tip
To reinforce the concept of making inferences, encourage students to identify specific clues or details in the text that led them to their conclusions. Emphasise the importance of using evidence and reasoning to support their inferences rather than relying solely on intuition or guesses.
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 being described here: 'a phrase or short piece of writing taken directly from a longer work of literature'?
Q2.The Gothic first appeared in the century.
Q3.A recurring theme, idea, or symbol in a text is known as a ...
Q4.Which character tells Martha how to kill the draugr in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q5.Starting at the beginning, put these parts of the narrative arc into the correct order.
Q6.Which definition best describes the resolution in the structure of a story?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word best describes the overall tone of the Gothic genre?
Q2.What is a connotation?
Q3.What is an inference?
Q4.Which of the following is an example of making an inference about the 'Twisted Tree'?
Q5.Why is the description of the tree's roots as 'veins' considered Gothic in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q6.In 'The Twisted Tree', the tree is described as 'swaying' and 'jumping'. What are reasonable connotations of these words?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': making impressive inferences about the tree, 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': making impressive inferences about the tree, 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.