Structural methods in a dramatic account
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and use a range of structural methods to plan a dramatic account of an event.
Key learning points
- Using structural methods effectively can make your writing dramatic.
- Examples of effective structural methods are in medias res, repetition and cliffhangers.
- Varying how an idea is repeated can indicate escalation.
- When planning a piece of writing, it can be helpful to think about now, before and later.
- A cliffhanger leaves a reader with a question to be answered.
Keywords
In media res - a Latin expression that refers to a story that starts in the middle of the action
Cliffhanger - dramatic ending to a text which leaves the audience wondering what will happen next
Autocratic - demanding that people obey completely, without asking or caring about anyone else's opinions
Surveillance - the careful watching of a person or place, especially by the police or army
Escalation - a situation in which something becomes greater or more serious
Common misconception
Students often think that they have to tell a story chronologically.
Encourage them to consider how many books and films start with an exciting event and then go back to explain the exposition of the story.
Teacher tip
You could give students a series of pictures so they can come up with quick ideas about events in the past, present and future.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Prologue to 'The Girl with Seven Names' by Hyeonosoro Lee.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Finish the tile to Hyeonseo Lee's book: 'The Girl with ...."
Q2.Which country did Hyeonseo Lee escape from?
Q3.Where does Hyeonseo Lee live now?
Q4.What word beginning with 'R' refers to the repeated use of the same word or phrase for emphasis or effect?
Q5.Which of the following is the best definition of 'structural techniques' in a text?
Q6.Which of the following is the best synonym for 'variations'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words on the left with their synonyms on the right.
monitoring
to grow
dictatorial
differences
Q2.What Latin phrase refers to a narrative technique where a story starts in the middle of the action?
Q3.What do we call the narrative technique when a story ends with a question or a new mystery has been set up?
Q4.Which of the follwoing discourse markers indicates a shift to the past?
Q5.Which of the following discourse markers indicate a shift to the future?
Q6.Which of the following is the best definition of structural methods in a text?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Structural methods in a dramatic account, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Structural methods in a dramatic 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.
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