a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or a question

language structures that develop text cohesion

a sentence formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause

practising saying ideas for sentences out loud before you write them

Writing the second half of 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

Beowulf’s first attack fails & the dragon attacks

Which paragraph explores the resolution of the narrative of 'Beowulf and the dragon'? 

Which of the following are good techniques for increasing pace in our writing?

Which techniques to increase pace have been used here? 'Instantly, the skin split open. Blood poured out.'

Wiglaf could think of: only one thing would his king survive?

Wiglaf could think of only one thing would his king: survive?

Wiglaf could think of only one thing: would his king survive?

In which example is the colon in the right place to introduce a question?

Which of these words in the following sentence is a preposition? 'He swung it violently at the dragon’s mighty head.'

Which relative pronoun should complete the following relative complex sentence? 'The dragon, __________ stomach had been slit open, dropped Beowulf instantly.'

Beowulf tries to stab the dragon, but he fails; the dragon breathes fire on him.

The Geat warriors flee, but Wiglaf comes to help Beowulf.

Beowulf stabs the dragon in the head and his sword breaks; he is bitten.

Wiglaf stabs the dragon in the belly; Beowulf slits its throat. 

Put the climax and resolution paragraphs of our narrative about 'Beowulf and the dragon' in order.

Which narrative elements are featured here? 'Determined, Wiglaf picked up his trusty, wooden shield.'

In moments, it was a pile of ashes - useless, grey ashes - at his feet.

In moments - it was a pile of ashes useless, grey ashes - at his feet.

In moments, it was a pile of - ashes useless, grey ashes - at his feet.

In which sentence are the dashes for dramatic effect in the correct positions?

Which technique has been used here to increase pace? 'How could they betray their brave king? How could they leave him to die?'

Match each type of fronted adverbial to the correct example. 

Which fronted adverbials of manner could fill the gap in the following sentence? '__________ the dragon opened its vast maw.'

Starter Quiz