Writing paragraph two of the build up of 'A Christmas Carol'
I can write the second paragraph of the build-up of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Writing paragraph two of the build up of 'A Christmas Carol'
I can write the second paragraph of the build-up of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The second paragraph of the build-up heightens the suspense and reveals the Ghost of Jacob Marley.
- Precise vocabulary is used to describe sensory details and ‘show and tell’ conveys Scrooge’s emotions.
- Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner add greater detail to the main clause and support in building suspense.
- Marley informs Scrooge of the visits he will be paid by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
- Reported speech is used to share the important messages Marley conveys without quoting him directly.
Keywords
Suspense - a state of feeling excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Reported speech - the form of speech used to share what was said by someone without using a direct quote
Common misconception
The examples given for fronted adverbials of manner are adverbs ending in 'ly'. Children may assume this is the only way to write a fronted adverbial of manner.
Provide additional examples of fronted adverbials of manner that are phrases rather than individual words. E.g. 'With a grave expression on his face,...'.
To help you plan your year 4 english lesson on: Writing paragraph two of the build up of 'A Christmas Carol', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 english lesson on: Writing paragraph two of the build up of 'A Christmas Carol', 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the 'A Christmas Carol': narrative writing and reading unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a sentence starter that tells the reader when something happens
a sentence starter that tells the reader where something is or happens
a sentence starter that tells the reader how something happens
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Suddenly, ... / In the middle of night, ... / Just at that moment, ...
Out of the floorboards, ... / In the darkest corner of the room, ...
Hauntingly, ... / Fearfully, ... / Sternly, ...
a way that will not be easily forgotten
a way that shows fear
a serious and severe manner, asserting authority