plot points or things that happen in a story or text

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

saying an oral version of a story out loud, perhaps using notes or a text map to help

Retelling the story 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 part of the story is being described here? 'A dragon attacks the stronghold and Beowulf is determined to defeat it himself.'

Which part of the story is being described here? 'Beowulf tries to kill the dragon, but can’t; he is clamped in the dragon’s jaws.'

What is the resolution in the story of Beowulf and the dragon?

Beowulf took some men to the dragon's cave. 

Beowulf banged on the stone to make the dragon come out.

Which event below follows this one? 'Beowulf saw the damage to the stronghold and he wanted to fight the dragon.'

We can use it help us learn the events of the story.

Each picture represents one word in the story we will write.

We can use it to help us story-tell to prepare to write. 

It's okay to use a mixture of pictures, words and letters. 

repeatedly practise saying the story aloud using your text map

What is the best way to use your text map to make writing easier?

Which of the below were true of warriors in Anglo-Saxon culture?

the king would reward them with wealth and land

they would be allowed to return to Europe

How did Anglo-Saxons show their respect for warriors?

Put the elements of the story structure in order. 

one main story made up of four mini-stories

three main stories each containing three mini-stories

one main story made up of three mini-stories

Put the three mini-stories that make up 'Beowulf' in order. 

Beowulf has been king of Geatland for many years. 

A dragon is provoked to attack the Geat stronghold and burn it down.

Beowulf argues he should be the one to fight it. 

Beowulf tries to fight the dragon, but he struggles until Wiglaf helps him.

Beowulf is able to slit the dragon's throat and kill it.

Put the events from the final mini-story - Beowulf and the dragon - in order. 

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Worksheet