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Year 9

Using sentence structure to create rhythm in writing about World War One

I can explore how Ian Beck and Wilfred Owen use sentence structure to give their writing rhythm and, inspired by them, craft a creative paragraph with engaging rhythm.

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New
New
Year 9

Using sentence structure to create rhythm in writing about World War One

I can explore how Ian Beck and Wilfred Owen use sentence structure to give their writing rhythm and, inspired by them, craft a creative paragraph with engaging rhythm.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Writers spend time crafting the rhythm of their writing, as well as the words.
  2. In writing, rhythm is created through sentence construction and punctuation.
  3. Rhythm creates energy, pace and tension.
  4. Rhythm can engage the reader, and draw their attention to certain things.

Common misconception

Commas and full stops are interchangeable.

Full stops divide independent clauses and create a longer pause than a comma. Full stops divide ideas and create clear writing. Commas divide subordinate clauses and lists. They create a shorter pause.

Keywords

  • Rhythm - the beat, flow, or pattern of a piece of music or writing

  • Punctuation - the marks we use to separate sentences, or parts of sentences; good punctuation creates clarity and rhythm

  • Full stop - a punctuation mark that comes at the end of a sentence; a very powerful piece of punctuation

  • Comma - a punctuation mark that is used to create a pause in a sentence, often in a list

  • Comma splice - when you use a comma to divide two independent ideas, but should have used a full stop instead of comma

This lesson uses a range of punctuation. Consider if your class is ready to encounter the full range, or whether removing some of the more complex examples would be more appropriate and focused.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need 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 mental health issues

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Starting with the first plot point, order the opening sequence from 'Propping Up The Line' in chronological order.
1 - Alfred feels something brush against him.
2 - Alfred realises the something is a rat.
3 - The rat touches a bit of Alfred's bare skin.
4 - Alfred sees the rat scuttle away.
5 - Alfred reflects on all the horror he has seen in the trenches.
6 - Alfred kills the rat.
Q2.
What punctuation is missing from this sentence? "The mud stank John trudged on, unaware of anything but the burning in his chest."
a comma
Correct answer: a full stop
a question mark
an exclamation mark
Q3.
What punctuation is missing from this sentence? "The trenches were a black hole: no warmth food or hope. "
Correct answer: commas
full stops
question marks
exclamation marks
semi colons
Q4.
What punctuation is missing from this sentence? "'Catch' yelled Peter, throwing the ball at John in the anticipation he might be up for a game."
a full stop
a comma
a question mark
Correct answer: an exclamation mark
a semi colon
Q5.
What punctuation is missing from this sentence? "How could Frank hope to face his family again How could he hope to play with them or tickle them".
full stops
commas
Correct answer: question marks
exclamation marks
semi colons
Q6.
One of Wilfred Owen's most famous poems is about a gas attack. The speaker sees a man dying in front of him and says that he now sees this death "In all my before my helpless sight".
Correct Answer: dreams

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match each word to its definition.
Correct Answer:rhythm ,the beat, flow, or pattern of a piece of music or writing

the beat, flow, or pattern of a piece of music or writing

Correct Answer:punctuation,the marks we use to separate sentences, or parts of sentences

the marks we use to separate sentences, or parts of sentences

Correct Answer:full stop,comes at the end of a sentence to signal the end of an idea

comes at the end of a sentence to signal the end of an idea

Correct Answer:comma,used to create a pause in a sentence, often in a list

used to create a pause in a sentence, often in a list

Correct Answer:comma splice,when you use a comma instead of using a full stop

when you use a comma instead of using a full stop

Q2.
A pupil seeks advice about how to create rhythm in their creative writing about a soldier in WW1. What would be the most specific and helpful advice you could offer them?
You can create rhythm through similes and metaphors.
Correct answer: You can create rhythm through precise punctuation.
You can create rhythm through powerful and unusual word choice.
Correct answer: You can create rhythm through varied sentence lengths.
You can create rhythm through stanzas and verses.
Q3.
Which of these sentences uses full stops accurately?
John was exhausted, he wanted to go back home to his family, and his tools.
John was exhausted. He wanted to go back home to his family, and his tools
John was exhausted? He wanted to go back home to his family, and his tools.
Correct answer: John was exhausted. He wanted to go back home to his family, and his tools.
John was exhausted he wanted to go back home to his family and his tools.
Q4.
Which of these sentences uses commas correctly?
Whenever, he went to sleep John saw Peter's smiling, hopeful, youthful face.
Whenever he went to sleep John saw Peter's smiling, hopeful, youthful face.
Whenever he went to sleep, John saw Peter's smiling hopeful youthful face.
Whenever he went to sleep John saw Peter's smiling hopeful youthful face.
Correct answer: Whenever he went to sleep, John saw Peter's smiling, hopeful, youthful face.
Q5.
These sentences were inspired by 'Propping Up The Line' by Ian Beck. Which of these sentences uses a comma splice and is therefore not an accurate sentence?
Correct answer: John saw May on the coastline, Susie started to run towards him.
May, heartbroken, cared for John all his life.
Whenever there were chores, John would help.s
Correct answer: Kate never asked her father about his experiences, Susie always pestered him.
John gave up his job, gave up sport and gave up any hope for a healthy life.
Q6.
Wilfred Owen was a poet and British soldier in WW1. In his poem about a gas attack, the first line of the second stanza reads, " Quick, boys!"
Correct Answer: Gas! GAS!, Gas gas, Gas, gas