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      Emulating Anthony Horowitz's use of resolution in 'Moriarty'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can emulate Horowitz's use of symbolism and setting to craft a reassuring resolution.

      Key learning points

      1. To emulate Horowitz's reassuring resolution, we might choose a calming setting.
      2. We may then use superlatives and tactile imagery to describe that setting.
      3. We might use a simile and colour imagery in order to diminish the threat of a criminal in our writing.
      4. Finally, we may use symbolism to represent the idea that evil has been contained and controlled.

      Keywords

      • Resolution - the conclusion of the story’s plot where all unanswered questions are solved

      • Reassure - say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of (someone)

      • Superlative - of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme

      • Tactile - perceptible by touch or apparently so; tangible

      • Symbolism - the idea that things represent other things

      Common misconception

      That to write a reassuring resolution all you need to do is tie the narrative points together.

      To craft a reassuring resolution then you might think about how you can use imagery, symbolism and figurative language to convey calm emotions.

      Teacher tip

      You might like to spend some time mapping out the whole narrative before writing the ending if you feel it would be helpful for pupils.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      'A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as' is the definition of a .

      Correct Answer: simile

      Q2.
      Which of the following settings might be considered relaxing?

      a tumultuous expanse of ocean
      a choppy, foaming expanse of ocean
      Correct answer: a field full of grass and flowers
      Correct answer: a small stream trickling through a field

      Q3.
      'Of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?

      Correct Answer: superlative, a superlative, superlatives

      Q4.
      'To say or do something to remove the doubts or fears of (someone)' is the definition of which word beginning with 'r'?

      Correct Answer: reassure, reassuring, to reassure, reassurance

      Q5.
      'The conclusion of the story’s plot where all unanswered questions are solved' is the definition of which word beginning with 'r'?

      Correct Answer: resolution, a resolution, resolutions

      Q6.
      We typically associate the colour white which which of the following?

      passion
      sadness
      Correct answer: purity
      Correct answer: blankness
      health

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      'The idea that things represent other things' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?

      Correct Answer: symbolism, symbol, a symbol, symbols

      Q2.
      Which of the following sentences uses a superlative?

      The tinkling stream was serene and peaceful.
      The gliding clouds raced across the sky.
      Correct answer: The lush trees were the most beautiful he'd seen.

      Q3.
      'Perceptible by touch or apparently so; tangible' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?

      Correct Answer: tactile

      Q4.
      At the end of 'Moriarty', Horowitz compares the criminal Devereux to a ...

      lion.
      doll.
      Correct answer: child.

      Q5.
      At the end of 'Moriarty', Horowitz's use of a "trunk" is symbolic of which of the following?

      evil being released
      Correct answer: evil being contained
      Correct answer: evil being controlled
      evil being amplified

      Q6.
      Which of the following are connotations of the colour grey?

      health
      Correct answer: mundanity
      passion
      purity

      To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Emulating Anthony Horowitz's use of resolution in 'Moriarty', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...