Analysing the presentation of the gas attack: Ian Beck's 'Propping Up the Line'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Ian Beck presents the gas attack in his short story, ‘Propping Up The Line’ in a well-planned analytical paragraph.
Key learning points
- The gas attack, and its aftermath, is the central focus of Beck’s short story.
- The effects of the gas attack are described in graphic detail.
- Perceptive analysis can involve making thoughtful connections between different moments in a text.
Keywords
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; setting, characterisation, language choices are all examples
Harrowing - extremely disturbing
Perceptive - thoughtful
Pervasive - something that spreads everywhere and can’t be stopped
Frenetic - fast paced, uncontrolled
Common misconception
You can't link quotations from across a text in a short story.
Being able to link quotations from any text together is a key skill in English. It helps make your analysis thoughtful and convincing.
Teacher tip
Work out how long your pupils need to plan and write their paragraph. Then plan the rest of the timing of the lesson from there so you are sure to give pupils enough time to write carefully and in a developed way.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the 2014 edition of Stories of World War One, edited by Tony Bradman to read 'Propping Up the Line' by Ian Beck.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', why is the gas attack so important to the story?
Q2.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', what are some of the long term effects of the gas attack on the main character, Alfred?
Q3.Starting with the first, order plot points detailing the gas attack in Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line' in chronological order.
Q4.Methods are the tools a writer uses to create their work. Which of the following are methods all writers might rely on to create any text?
Q5.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes the gas attack, writing the scent of the gas " ."
Q6.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes the gas attack, and in particular described how the gas moved. What word does he use to describe the gas' movement?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes a gas attack. These words could be helpful in exploring how it is presented. Match each to its definition.
extremely disturbing
something that spreads everywhere and can’t be stopped
fast paced, uncontrolled
Q2.What advice might you give to a pupil who is about to attempt to analyse the presentation of the gas attack in Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line'?
Q3.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', what is one way Beck creates a sense of the pervasiveness of the gas during the attack?
Q4.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', what is one way Beck creates a sense of the frenetic pace of the gas attack?
Q5.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes Alfred at the start of the gas attack. How does Alfred reach for the respirator?
Q6.In Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line', Beck describes Alfred returning to his trench during the gas attack. How does he described leaving Jonesey behind?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Analysing the presentation of the gas attack: Ian Beck's 'Propping Up the Line', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Analysing the presentation of the gas attack: Ian Beck's 'Propping Up the Line', 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 Literary perspectives from the First World War unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.