Turning points in 'Escape from Pompeii'
I can explore how a turning point in a narrative affects a character’s emotions.
Turning points in 'Escape from Pompeii'
I can explore how a turning point in a narrative affects a character’s emotions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- ‘Escape from Pompeii’ builds tension as the story progresses, drawing readers into the narrative of the eruption.
- Tension can be built up in many ways thorough hinting, pacing, illustration, character reactions and cliffhangers.
- A turning point in a narrative is a pivotal moment that significantly alters the course of the story.
- Turning points can evoke a range of emotions in the character.
Keywords
Tension - Tension is a feeling of nervousness, excitement or fear.
Hint - A hint is a slight indication or suggestion of something (e.g. something that might happen next).
Atmosphere - Atmosphere is the mood created in a section or whole of a text
Turning point - A turning point in a narrative is a pivotal moment that significantly alters the course of the story or a character's journey.
Emotions graph - An emotions graph is a reading task where readers plot a character's feelings and emotions as they change throughout a narrative.
Common misconception
During Task A, pupils may not find an example of each of the tension-building techniques.
Different techniques may be used on each page. You could share examples for the three double-page spreads after the task.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2005 Frances Lincoln Children's Books edition of ‘Escape from Pompeii’ written and illustrated by Christina Balit, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a feeling of nervousness, excitement or fear
a slight indication or suggestion of something
a pivotal moment that significantly alters the course of the story