Using dialogue effectively
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify how dialogue is used and apply that knowledge to my own writing.
Key learning points
- Writers use dialogue for a number of purposes.
- Dialogue can reveal the motivations, feelings and the relationship between characters.
- Dialogue can also move the plot forward, build tension and illustrate the theme.
- Using questions as prompts can help generate ideas for your writing.
Keywords
Command - an order to do something
Awe - a feeling of great respect or admiration
Theme - the main subject or idea of a text
Personality - the type of person you are
Common misconception
Students may think that this book describes what life is like for the majority of people who live in Malawi.
Draw attention to the fact that the book is an autobiography and, therefore, is about the writer's own experiences.
Teacher tip
You could show students where Malawi is on a map. Give some context about the country so they can appreciate the value of electricity.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' by William Kamkwamba.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What was the purpose of William Kamkwamba's windmill in 'The Boy who Harnessed the Wind'?
Q2.How old was William Kamkwamba when he built the windmill as detailed in 'The Boy who Harnessed the Wind'?
Q3.Where is the village setting in the book 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind'?
Q4.What word beginning with 'D' refers to conversation between characters?
Q5.Which of the following best defines the term "narrator"?
Q6.Which of the following is the best definition of 'dialogue'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words on the left with their synonyms on the right.
wonder
topic
personality
order
Q2.Which of the following is the best definition of internal dialogue?
Q3.Using dialogue is best for: building tension, showing change, illustrating themes, revealing personality and ...
Q4.In the Prologue to 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind', the attitude of the crowd moves from to awe.
Q5.Which of the following can help you generate ideas for a narrative?
Q6.When we talk about a character's motivations, what do we mean?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using dialogue effectively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using dialogue effectively, 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.
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