Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: explaining the creation of tension

English

In 'The Twisted Tree', pupils explore Gothic imagery in a contemporary text. In 'Dystopian Settings', pupils use their own dark imagery to write their own descriptive pieces.

In 'Sherlock Holmes: Short Stories', pupils begin to analyse the choices of an author. in 'The Twisted Tree', pupils develop their analytical writing skills. 

'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

In 'The Twisted Tree' which **two** characters are found murdered at the end of Chapter 14?

Which word would **not** be considered an antonym for the word 'macabre'?

In 'The Twisted Tree' the chapters end with shocking revelations and new threats, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. This is an example of a ...

Finally, the chapter ends on a climactic cliffhanger.

Next, the writer develops tension though the description of the setting.

Often, Burge creates tension in the ominous presence of the twisted tree.

Initially, tension is created in the use of ambiguous dialogue.

Which sentence does **not** use a time conjunction?

Which answer best describes the word 'tension'?

Match the correct time conjunctions to the part of the chapter in a novel it can be used to explore.

In 'The Twisted Tree', which Norse god is Martha potentially descended from?

found in Mormor's cabin: he began to live there after running away

Mormor's neighbour: he gives Martha a lift and checks on her

Olav's wife: he seems to know what really happened to Mormor

Martha's grandma: she knows all of the family secrets

Match the character from 'The Twisted Tree' to the correct description of them.

Martha describes struggling to navigate an airport on the way to Norway.

Martha discovers Stig and the death of Mormor.

Olav and Yrsa arrive at the cabin concerned for Martha's safety.

Martha discovers a letter from her Mormor.

Mormor's letter explains that she has a duty to water the twisted tree.

Martha begins to discover she has connections to Odin.

Martha sees a woman's face in the twisted tree.

Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'The Twisted Tree' in chronological order.

Which word can be described as 'a foul smell from rotting matter'?

'The Twisted Tree' is written from Martha's perspective. This type of narrative perspective is called ...

Which word beginning with 'p', can be used to describe the main character in a story?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

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

Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: explaining the creation of tension

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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