New
New
Year 6

Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark'

I can write the first section of the climax of ‘A Kind of Spark’, adopting Addie’s perspective and using a range of language features.

New
New
Year 6

Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark'

I can write the first section of the climax of ‘A Kind of Spark’, adopting Addie’s perspective and using a range of language features.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. We are writing a narrative that includes switches in perspective and tense.
  2. In this lesson, we will write only a present tense, first person paragraph in role as Addie.
  3. Because we are in role as Addie, we may use some informal language features like short sentences and contractions.
  4. We will also want to include the full range of sentence structures and punctuation.
  5. Orally rehearsing our writing helps us to be prepared to write.

Keywords

  • First person - the 'I/we' perspective

  • Present tense - shows the action is happening now

  • Informal language - language that is more similar to spoken language

  • Oral rehearsal - saying the words you plan to write out loud in order to make the writing process easier

Common misconception

Pupils may confuse this first person writing with internal monologue and focus only on Addie's thoughts.

Here, we haven't used the term 'internal monologue' because we are describing events and observations from Addie's perspective and not just thoughts.

The writing has not been modelled here in order to promote independent writing; if you are using this piece for teacher assessment purposes, then you should refer to local and national guidance regarding the level of teacher input that is appropriate.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
If we are writing in the first person and in the present tense, what part of our narrative are we writing?
the flashbacks to Maggie's story
any part of the narrative
Correct answer: the sections in role as Addie
Q2.
Which of these are true of the flashbacks in our narrative?
Correct answer: they will have a 'trigger' in the first person sections
they will be written in role as Maggie
Correct answer: they will describe what Maggie and the villagers do and say
Correct answer: they will have a dark and negative mood
Q3.
Put these parts of Addie's speech in order.
1 - sitting and waiting to begin; feeling nervous
2 - starting to speak; growing in confidence as the audience responds
3 - sitting back down; feeling relieved and overwhelmed by the applause
Q4.
What is the purpose of the 'trigger' in our narrative?
to allow us to switch to first person, present tense
Correct answer: to allow us to switch to third person, past tense
to allow us to switch back and forth between tenses
Q5.
Which of these sentences might be from the first person, present tense sections of our narrative?
Correct answer: I can see their eyes on me.
Maggie felt their eyes on her.
"Leave me alone!" she yelled.
Correct answer: A hundred faces gaze up at me intently.
Q6.
Which part of the narrative will have the most positive mood?
the first section in role as Addie
the flashbacks
Correct answer: the final section in role as Addie

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these are features of our writing in this lesson only?
third person
Correct answer: first person
Correct answer: present tense
past tense
Correct answer: informal language
Q2.
Which section of our text have we completed so far?
section 3 in role as Addie
the first flashback to Maggie's story
the second flashback to Maggie's story
Correct answer: section 1 in role as Addie
section 2 in role as Addie
Q3.
Which sentence uses the first person and present tense?
I looked down at the sea of faces.
Correct answer: I look down at the sea of faces.
Addie looks down at the sea of faces.
Addie looked down at the sea of faces.
Q4.
Which of the following are shown in this passage? 'I grit my teeth and look down at Mum and Dad; they are holding hands and smiling up at me nervously.'
Correct answer: things Addie does
things Addie thinks
Correct answer: things Addie sees
things Addie says
Q5.
Which of the following are informal language features that we might see in our first person sections?
Correct answer: contractions
Correct answer: simple sentences
similes and metaphors
Correct answer: sentences beginning with 'I'
Q6.
What important feature is shown in the following sentence? 'With a gulp, I look down at the word 'Maggie' which is written on my hand ...'.
a compound sentence
informal language
Correct answer: the trigger
contractions