Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature
I can write brilliant topic sentences to convey my argument.
Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature
I can write brilliant topic sentences to convey my argument.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When planning an opinion article, the message needs to be consistent - your opinion is your message.
- You should identify between 3 and 4 reasons or examples to support your opinion.
- Topic sentences help you to maintain a cohesive and convincing argument.
- Aim to make your topic sentences as engaging as possible, as they introduce each new section of your argument.
- Rhetorical devices (such as direct address) can be used to elevate your topic sentences.
Keywords
Escapism - seeking distraction or relief from unpleasant or tiresome realities
Conservative - traditional or resistant to change
Vicariously - experiencing something through someone else’s lived experience
Hyperbole - exaggerating something for effect
Provocative - something that causes a strong reaction from people or incites debate
Common misconception
Students often don't think to include rhetorical devices within their topic sentences.
Just because the topic sentences introduces the main idea for the paragraph, that does not mean the topic sentence can't be really creative and engaging. It's crucial that it is engaging to motivate the reader to learn more about the topic.
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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