Considering and analysing the use of anecdotes in a non-fiction text
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and analyse the use of anecdotes for effect in a non-fiction text.
Key learning points
- In responding to a personal essay, we might ask what it is the writer wants us to understand about their lives.
- Potentially, writers might use anecdotes in personal essays to creates an emotional reaction in the reader.
- Arguably, Reedy's use of anecdotes elicits a sympathetic response from the reader.
- We might analyse anecdotes by considering the writer's use of specific words and methods.
Keywords
Personal essay - an autobiographical essay that relates a significant personal experience of the essay writer
Anecdote - a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing or biographical incident
Elicit - evoke or draw out (a reaction, answer or fact) from someone
Sympathetic - characterised by, feeling or showing sympathy; understanding
Common misconception
That we can develop a personal response by asking the same questions of every non-fiction text.
While some questions are universal, a non-fiction text such as a personal essay may require us to ask questions about what the writer want us to understand about their lives in order for us to respond to it.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their responses to the anecdotes to consider more broadly how they are effective tools within non-fiction writing.
Equipment
You will need access to the article 'My Life as a Little Person' by Cara Reedy, published by CNN, 2014.
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 word is given to texts that are based in truth and not invented?
Q2.What is being described here: 'the words, ideas, feelings or concepts we associate with a word or symbol.'?
Q3.What information beginning with 'C' can give you clues about a text, before you start reading?
Q4.'Characterised by, feeling, or showing sympathy; understanding' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
Q5.In a first-person narrative, which pronoun is typically used to refer to the narrator?
Q6.'A usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'An autobiographical essay that relates a significant personal experience of the essay writer' is the definition of ...
Q2.Cara Reedy's 'My life as a little person' falls under which of the following non-fiction genres?
Q3.Which word from Reedy's title 'My life as a little person' indicates that it's a personal essay?
Q4.'To evoke or draw out (a reaction, answer, or fact) from someone' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q5.Throughout her personal essay 'My life as a little person', Reedy uses which technique beginning with 'a'?
Q6.Arguably, in 'My life as a little person', Reedy evokes a stronger emotional reaction in the audience by referencing anecdotes from when she was ...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and analysing the use of anecdotes in 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 analysing the use of anecdotes in 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.
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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.