Writing a compelling account
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan and write a compelling account about a place that I have explored.
Key learning points
- Any topic can be interesting if the account is well written.
- Compelling writing is irresistible often because of its emotional power or theme.
- Examples of wordplay are assonance and alliteration and inverted syntax.
- A good plan has an overall structure and details about tone, ideas and feelings.
Keywords
Compelling - having a powerful or irresistible draw
Mundane - lacking excitement, everyday, dull
Memorable - worth remembering or easily remembered, especially because of being special or unusual
Reflective - thoughtful and deliberate
Assonance - the repetition of vowel sounds in the middle of nearby words
Common misconception
Students often think that they need exciting experiences to write in a compelling manner.
Stress how the quality of writing is more important than the topic being written about.
Teacher tip
You can listen to readings of 'Holiday Memory'. They really bring out the euphony and rhythm of the writing.
Equipment
You will need a copy of an extract from ‘Holiday Memory’ by Dylan Thomas (1946). It's available in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If you are asked to write an account of something, what are you being asked to do?
Q2.Which of the following is the best synonym for 'to explore'?
Q3.Which of the following is the best description of writer's block?
Q4.Match the experiences on the left with their descriptions on the right.
a one off trip to a specific attraction or place
an exciting and daring experience
a period of leisure or recreation
an organised journey undertaken for specific purposes such as research
Q5.Which of the following is the best synonym for theme?
Q6.How would you define 'contrast' in writing?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following words with the correct synonyms.
engaging
routine
unforgettable
thoughtful
echo
Q2.If you had too many ideas to choose from when planning an account, which of the following strategies would be helpful?
Q3.'Holiday Memory' by Dylan Thomas was written as a ...
Q4.What is the best definition of 'in medias res'?
Q5.The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words in a sentence or phrase is called ...
Q6.Match the qualities of compelling writing with their definitions.
writing that creates a strong connection between reader and text
vivid and creative descriptions
a well organised and coherent framework for a text
central ideas or messages that add depth to your writing
inventive language, word play and rhythmic prose
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Writing a compelling account, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Writing a compelling account, 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: explorers unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.