Using context to inform an argument about 'Jekyll and Hyde'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use context effectively in an analytical paragraph when writing about 'Jekyll and Hyde'.
Key learning points
- Context must be precise and avoid generalisations.
- Context needs to be anchored to the text by linking it to quotations.
- Context needs to be interwoven with analysis and used to develop inferences.
- Context needs to focus on key themes and concepts and not on isolated historical facts.
- Context can be used to explain the writer's intention and support the overarching argument of the essay.
Keywords
Theme - A repeated idea in a story is known as a theme. Concealment is a theme in 'Jekyll and Hyde'.
Concept - An abstract idea is known as a concept.
Context - Context concerns the circumstances in which a text was written; context helps us to understand the writer’s intentions further.
Writer's intention - If an author sets out to deliver a social message or critique, this is known as the writer’s intention.
Generalisation - If a statement is applied to more things than to which it directly applies, then it is known as a generalisation.
Common misconception
Context is a bolt-on and can just be added onto the end of a paragraph.
Context should be a considered and interwoven part of any essay.
Teacher tip
Consider a mind-map of all relevant contextual information after the extract in learning cycle 2 to give students a foundation ahead of the analytical piece.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The novella 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' was first published in 1886. As such its first audiences were ...
Q2.Stevenson was influenced by the works of Charles Darwin in the novella. He had recently published a book called 'On the Origin of Species'. What theory did this book popularise?
Q3.What is being described here: 'the circumstances in which a text was written'?
Q4.'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' contains conventions of monstrosity, moral ambiguity and experimentation. These are conventions of the ...
Q5.What is the correct definition of the word 'generalisation'? Here it is used in a sentence: 'Avoid making a generalisation without considering specific cases.'
Q6.What is the definition of the word 'theme'? Here it is used in a sentence: 'The movie had a theme of love.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Context must be and avoid generalisations.
Q2.'Victorians were overly obsessed with reputation.' Which of the below highlights best why this is not an effective contextual reference?
Q3.Context needs to focus on ...
Q4.How can context be 'anchored in the text'?
Q5.Which of the following contextual points could link to the theme of religion in relation to 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
Q6.Read this sentence: In 'Jekyll & Hyde', Lanyon’s reaction shows how characters return to their religious beliefs when facing difficult situations. What part of an analytical response is this sentence?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using context to inform an argument about 'Jekyll and Hyde', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using context to inform an argument about 'Jekyll and Hyde', 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 4 English lessons from the Jekyll & Hyde: society as the villain unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.