the point in the narrative where the suspense and excitement reaches its highest point

the point in the narrative where problems are resolved

a visual representation of a series of events, where pictures represent events

words chosen intentionally to convey a certain impression to the reader of a place, person or thing

the content of a narrative, often including action, description, dialogue and emotions

Planning the climax and resolution of 'Beowulf and the dragon'

English

In this unit, pupils rewrite the build-up and climax of a scene from the end of Beowulf’, focusing on interspersing dialogue to convey atmosphere and advance the action. In '’A Kind of Spark’: Narrative Writing', pupils will finesse writing a build-up and climax with a focus on switching between the past and present tense to highlight a jump in perspective.’

In ''Beowulf': Reading', pupils analysed a modernised version of ’Beowulf’. In this unit, pupils will rewrite the build-up and climax of a scene from the end of ’Beowulf’, focusing on interspersing dialogue to convey atmosphere and advance the action.’

'Beowulf': narrative writing

Which example of rich vocabulary below could be used to describe Beowulf's shield?

as bright and scorching as a comet's tail

Which example of rich vocabulary below could we use to describe the dragon's fire?

What emotion could we 'show-not-tell' using the following actions? 'watched open-mouthed; gasped; eyes widened'.

Which narrative elements are most clearly shown in this note from Alex's plan? 'leapt behind Beowulf; “I’m here, my king!”'

Which narrative elements are most obviously shown in this note from Alex's plan? 'other Geats gasped in fear; dropped weapons'

Paragraph 1: Beowulf’s first attack fails & the dragon attacks

Paragraph 2: the Geats flee & Wiglaf comes to help

Paragraph 3: Beowulf attacks again & the dragon bites

Paragraph 4:  Wiglaf & Beowulf defeat the dragon

Which paragraph of our text does the following note come from? 'plunged ornate sword into soft belly'

Beowulf stabs the dragon in the head, snapping his sword.

Wiglaf stabs the dragon in the belly so that it drops Beowulf.

Beowulf uses his dagger to slit the dragon's neck; it dies.

Which of these events represents the resolution in 'Beowulf and the dragon'?

Beowulf tries to stab the dragon, but he can't. 

The dragon breathes fire at Beowulf, who hides behind his shield.

Wiglaf runs over to help Beowulf and his own shield is destroyed.

Beowulf tries to stab the dragon in the head, shattering his sword.

The dragon picks up Beowulf with its teeth.

Put these events from the climax of 'Beowulf and the dragon' in order. 

Which items are destroyed by the dragon? 

Which of these words could be used to describe a sword?

Which of the following similes and metaphors could be used to describe the **dragon's fire**?

Which of the examples below use 'show-not-tell'? 

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Planning the climax and resolution of 'Beowulf and the dragon'

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.