Reading and forming opinions on a 19th century text
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can decode a 19th century text and form my own opinions in a discussion.
Key learning points
- ‘Around the World in 72 Days’ is an example of a travelogue.
- Nellie Bly challenges societal expectations of women in the 19th century.
- Opinions should be informed by available information or evidence.
- Effective discussions will involve taking turns, developing ideas, using evidence and responding to other speakers.
Keywords
Deduce - to reach a conclusion or form an opinion based on available information or evidence
Elixir - a magical or medicinal potion, often used metaphorically to describe something highly desirable or life-changing
Visionary - a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
Timidly - to behave with a lack of courage or confidence or act to shy
Informed - to use evidence and available information to create an opinion
Common misconception
Opinions are just what you think and don't need to be informed by anything.
Opinions should be informed by available information or evidence. For example: prior knowledge, contextual information and the writer's language choices, can all help to create informed opinions.
Teacher tip
Task B can be completed as a written task, if discussion is not a viable option.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the extract 'Around the World in 72 Days', by Nellie Bly available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes a travelogue?
Q2.If a text was published in 1890, what century is it from?
Q3.Which of these words does not link to the stereotypical view of women and femininity in the 18th and 19th centuries?
Q4.What does it mean to 'conform'?
Q5.Which word beginning with 's' can be described as 'a simplified belief about a group of people'?
Q6.Which sentence best describes the societal expectations of women in the 19th century?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Nellie Bly's book 'Around the World in 72 Days' was published in which century?
Q2.The starting sentence of 'Around the World in 72 Days' is "What gave me the idea?". Which language device is Bly using to hook her reader in?
Q3.Which definition best describes the word 'elixir'?
Q4.Which word beginning with 'i' can be used to describe an opinion that is based on evidence and available information?
Q5.Why does Nellie Bly describe her idea to travel around the world in less than 80 days as “wild and visionary”?
Q6.How did societal views on women in the 19th century influence the editor’s initial decision about Bly’s journey in 'Around the World in 72 Days'?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Reading and forming opinions on a 19th century text, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Reading and forming opinions on a 19th century text, 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 Women's rights across the ages: non-fiction reading and writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.