Considering and understanding the attitude of a non-fiction text
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and analyse connotations and semantic fields to consider the writer’s attitude towards certain subjects.
Key learning points
- A writer’s attitude is how they feel about a subject.
- We might identify and analyse their attitude by considering connotations of words and semantic fields.
- A writer’s attitude is important because it helps us to understand what their intentions were.
- A writer’s attitude can also influence the perception of the reader and how they see the writer and subject.
Keywords
Attitude - how the writer feels about a subject
Connotation - a feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning
Semantic field - a group of words or expressions that are related in meaning
Non-fiction - prose writing that is informative or factual rather than fictional
Tone - the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience
Common misconception
We don't need to analyse the writer's attitude in non-fiction because it's all factual information.
Analysing the writer's attitude in non-fiction is important because it helps us to understand why the writer has presented information in a certain way and how they want us to interpret the information.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their 'why' ideas for Jamrach and Rawlinson's attitudes to help them see how asking that question elevates their responses.
Equipment
You will need access to 'My Struggle with a Tiger' and 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo' which are available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Prose writing that is informative or factual rather than fictional' is the definition of .
Q2.What is being described here: 'a feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning'?
Q3.Which of the following might we consider a connotation of the colour blue?
Q4.'A group of words or expressions that are related in meaning' is the definition of a field.
Q5.What semantic field has been used in this sentence? 'The green river flowed gently, its song echoing through the tranquil valley, while the trees swayed in harmony with the whispering wind.'
Q6.What is the best definition of the word 'illustrates'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'How the writer feels about a subject' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
Q2.By using words such as "brute" and "beast" in 'My Struggle with a Tiger', Jamrach implies that his attitude towards the tiger is one of .
Q3.Which of the following are connotations of the word "pluck"?
Q4.'The writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
Q5.In his article 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo', Rawlinson uses word such as "contained" and "minor" to create an attitude of .
Q6.By creating a semantic field of safety and protection in 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo', Rawlinson implies which of the following things about the zoo?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and understanding the attitude of a non-fiction text, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and understanding the attitude of a non-fiction 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 4 English lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.