'A Christmas Carol': conceptualised responses
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a convincing conceptual response, assess it and improve it.
Key learning points
- When given a question that asks you ‘how’ something is done, your primary aim is to examine the writer’s use of methods.
- You should always link your ideas back to the question focus and explain how your ideas support your argument.
- Your analysis should be explorative - you should explain the effects of the writer’s methods - not just identify them.
- Your essay should be precise and specific.
- Using subject terminology and key vocabulary can help make your writing clearer and more specific.
Keywords
Conceptualised - A conceptualised essay has an ideas-based argument that informs each paragraph or section.
To evaluate - To evaluate something means to weigh up its success against its key purpose and aims.
Social responsibility - Somebody who believes in social responsibility invests in their community and supports those in need.
Subject terminology - Subject terminology is related to words that are specifically relevant to the study of English. For example 'simile' or 'personification'.
Common misconception
Students think they should present lots of different ideas in an essay.
Whilst you should present lots of different knowledge, the knowledge should all form part of the same idea or argument.
Teacher tip
For learning cycle 2, you could substitute Izzy's response for a student's response if you have an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. This is only advisable if you have a strong and supportive relationship with your students.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the 'argument' in your essay?
Q2.Which of the following is NOT a feature of a good essay?
Q3.How should quotations be presented in essays?
Q4.What are connotations?
Q5.Which of the following might be examples of subject terminology?
Q6.Which of the following is an example of an embedded quotation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following question words explicitly asks you to focus keenly on the writer's methods?
Q2.What can subject terminology help with in your essay? Choose the most appropriate response.
Q3.After every idea you discuss in an analytical essay, what do you need to do?
Q4.Which of these best describes a conceptual response?
Q5.Complete the sentence: Your analysis should be explorative and clear - you should explain the of the writer’s methods - not just identify them.
Q6.Which of the following ideas would you not include in a conceptualised response to the question: 'In 'A Christmas Carol', how does Dickens present Scrooge?'
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'A Christmas Carol': conceptualised responses, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'A Christmas Carol': conceptualised responses, 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 A Christmas Carol: a ghost story unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.