'The Twisted Tree': understanding narrative arcs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the arc of a narrative and how the plot of 'The Twisted Tree' fits within it.
Key learning points
- Lots of stories, particularly fables and fairy tales, fit into a traditional narrative arc.
- A narrative arc starts with an exposition.
- A story’s rising action leads to its climax.
- After the climax, falling action leads to a resolution.
- 'The Twisted Tree’ mostly follows this traditional structure, however there are arguably two climaxes.
Keywords
Narrative arc - the structure and sequence of events in a story
Exposition - the beginning part of a story where characters, setting, and the main conflict are introduced
Action - events in a story that move the plot forward; they can be divided into rising action and falling action
Climax - the most intense and exciting part of a story where the main conflict reaches its peak
Resolution - the end of a story where the conflicts are resolved, and the story concludes
Common misconception
Students might think that all stories fit perfectly into a traditional narrative arc with only one climax.
While many stories follow a traditional narrative arc, some can have multiple climaxes or may not fit perfectly into the structure. The narrative arc is a helpful guide, but it's important to recognise that stories can vary and still be effective.
Teacher tip
To make the lesson more engaging, consider showing short video clips that demonstrate narrative arcs in well-known movies or TV shows. You can also ask students to discuss recent books they have read and plot them on the narrative arc structure in Learning Cycle one.
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' Martha is the novel's ...
Q2.The novel 'The Twisted Tree' is written in person.
Q3.Who is Gandalf in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q4.Who is Stig in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q5.Who is the draugr in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Q6.In the title 'The Twisted Tree' - the word 'twisted' is ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the beginning part of a story, where characters, setting and the main conflict are introduced, called?
Q2.In 'The Twisted Tree', what happens during the exposition?
Q3.Why is the exposition important in a narrative arc?
Q4.Which part of the narrative arc involves the tension growing and leading to a conflict?
Q5.Consider 'The Twisted Tree': 'Martha and her mother decide to remain and tend to the twisted tree.' - what part of the narrative arc is this?
Q6.Why might some stories have multiple climaxes, like 'The Twisted Tree'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': understanding narrative arcs, 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': understanding narrative arcs, 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.