New
New
Year 7

Explaining how Akala uses patterns of language for effect in 'The Dark Lady'

I can clearly explain the effects of patterns and contrasts in language and images in Akala's 'The Dark Lady'.

New
New
Year 7

Explaining how Akala uses patterns of language for effect in 'The Dark Lady'

I can clearly explain the effects of patterns and contrasts in language and images in Akala's 'The Dark Lady'.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Writers often use patterns of words, phrases and images across a text.
  2. Writers may use contrast in addition to patterns in order to emphasise the importance of the pattern.
  3. Patterns are effective because our brains are wired to recognise and remember patterns.
  4. In the same way that words have deeper meanings and connotations, images can also symbolise something more.

Common misconception

That a pattern within a text is random and just happened by chance.

Patterns are a way for writers to emphasise certain information or convey importance onto a concept because our brains are wired to recognise and remember patterns.

Keywords

  • Pattern - any regularly repeated arrangement

  • Contrast - an obvious difference between two or more things

  • Semantic field - a group of words which share a similar theme and concept

  • Symbolise - to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

  • Connotation - a feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning

You may wish to look at some specific quotations around birds and ships to complement the work on the imagery - the poem on page 2 may be a good starting point.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the 2021 Hodder Children's Book edition of 'The Dark Lady' by Akala for this lesson.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Repetition means...
saying something once
Correct answer: saying something multiple times
saying something positive
Q2.
A regularly repeated arrangement is a...
Correct answer: pattern
image
connotation
inference
Q3.
A semantic field is...
Correct answer: a group of words with a similar meaning
a group of words with a similar, positive meaning
a group of words with a dissimilar meaning
a group of words with a similar, negative meaning
Q4.
The word 'explosions' has connotations of...
lethargy
Correct answer: energy
dullness
Q5.
Which of the following do we associate with birds?
static, weak movement
Correct answer: dynamism and movement
stillness and stagnation
Q6.
A feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning is a...
Correct Answer: connotation

6 Questions

Q1.
In Akala's 'The Dark Lady', which word is repeated to emphasise its importance?
Correct answer: Henry
magic
Joan
books
Q2.
In Akala's 'The Dark Lady', what is there a semantic field of to describe the magical room Henry and Joan use?
Correct answer: intense energy
lethargy and boredom
fear and worry
Q3.
What does contrast mean?
Correct answer: an obvious difference beween two or more things
an obvious similarities between two or more things
a negative difference between two or more things
Q4.
Throughout Akala's 'The Dark Lady', there are repeated images of...
birds and trees
Correct answer: birds and ships
birds and horses
Q5.
To represent, express, or identify by a symbol is to...
Correct Answer: symbolise
Q6.
We think of birds and ships as both symbolising...
beauty
Correct answer: freedom
love