Considering how Verne uses sentences in ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how different sentence types work together to create an overall effect.
Key learning points
- Writers vary the position of subordinate clauses in a sentence, to alter pace, tension and emphasis
- Writers vary the types of sentence used (interrogative, exclamatory, declarative and imperative) to convey emotion
- When analysing sentences, give precise examples from the text
- When analysing sentences, break down the effect of different sentence structures in detail
Keywords
Science Fiction - Fiction based on imagined scientific or technological advances or major social or environmental changes.
Main clause - A clause in a sentence that can form a complete sentence when standing alone.
Subordinate clause - A clause in a sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It complements a main clause.
Interrogative sentence - Sentences that ask a question.
Exclamatory sentence - Sentences that express sudden or strong emotions.
Common misconception
Main and subordinate clauses are merely grammatical terms not worthy of analysis.
A writer's decision to use subordinate and main clauses is a creative choice. Their use can achieve different things (e.g. tension, pace).
Teacher tip
'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' is a famous and widely read story - consider using an audiobook version in the reading. It might also be worth showing students a trailer from a movie adaptation to set the scene.
Equipment
There is a copy of the extract from 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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.If a sentence contains a single independent clause then it is a ...
Q2.Which of the below are conjunctions?
Q3.Which of the below is an example of a compound sentence?
Q4.Which of the below is the correct definition of a complex sentence?
Q5.Look at the definitions below. Which of these is the best definition of an interrogative sentence?
Q6.Look at the definitions below. Which of these is the best definition of as exclamative sentence?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who wrote 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'?
Q2.In 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', the character of Axel has become separated from his friends. How?
Q3.At one point in 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' Axel says, "To what unknown depths had my companions gone? Where was I?" What sentence types have been used here?
Q4.Which words are missing from this definition of 'science fiction': 'Fiction based on __________ scientific or technological advances or major __________ or environmental changes.'
Q5.In 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' Axel says, "My brain throbbed with agony as I tried to discover the solution of this terrible problem." What sentence type has been used here?
Q6.Look at the this sentence: "Mechanically I crawled about, feeling the dry and arid rock." Which of the below best describes it?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering how Verne uses sentences in ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering how Verne uses sentences in ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, 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 Fiction: science fiction writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.