New
New
Year 7
Reading 'The Twisted Tree': exploring and creating similes
I can identify and explain a writer's use of simile and use to create my own description.
New
New
Year 7
Reading 'The Twisted Tree': exploring and creating similes
I can identify and explain a writer's use of simile and use to create my own description.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Martha has a vivid nightmare about the tree.
- Martha allows Stig to stay.
- The tree has a symbolic meaning that will be revealed throughout the novel.
- Similes can be used to create vivid imagery and help the reader experience what is being described.
- When crafting similes, they need to be plausible, draw relevant comparisons and not be confusing for the reader.
Keywords
Forlorn - sad, lonely or devoid of hope
Desolate - abandoned and joyless
Oblivion - lack of awareness or consciousness; nothingness
Temperamental - unreliable or changing quickly
Malice - evil; the desire to harm someone
Common misconception
As long as I have used "like" or "as", I have created an effective simile.
Consider this simile: 'Her voice was like a salad.' The comparison is unclear and doesn't enhance understanding.
In LC2, you may wish to use specific examples from 'The Twisted Tree' when exploring how similes can be used effectively. If you have previously completed lesson 2 (introducing the setting of 'The Twisted Tree), Task B could be completed as a way to develop the writing from this previous lesson.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019.
Content guidance
- Contains strong language
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
In 'The Twisted Tree' the character Mormor is Martha's ...
mother.
aunt.
great grandmother.
no relation.
Q2.
'The Twisted Tree' can be described as a thriller
Baltic
Norman
Q3.
Which two words beginning with 'p' and 'f' can be used to describe a device where the weather reflects the mood of the main character?
Q4.
Which of these two words could be used to describe a typical atmosphere of a Nordic thriller?
hopeful
joyous
dreamy
Q5.
Which two words does the writer use in 'The Twisted Tree' to describe the tree?
straight
smooth
spikey
Q6.
Which of these sentences would not be considered pathetic fallacy?
The storm raged on as the battle intensified.
The sun shone brightly on their wedding day.
The thunder roared in anger as the argument escalated.
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
In 'The Twisted Tree' what is the name of the boy that Martha finds living in the cabin?
Steeg
Steven
Simon
Q2.
Which of the following sentences contains a simile?
The tree was twisted and ancient.
The sun shone brightly on their wedding day.
He felt lonely while as he walked through the quiet forest.
Q3.
Which of these words best describes the setting in 'The Twisted Tree'?
wistful
romantic
Q4.
In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer uses a simile to describe Stig. What does she compare Stig to?
a wolf
a ghost
a tree
Q5.
Which of these definitions best describes the word 'forlorn'?
angry, frustrated or confused
hopeful, happy and content
excited, joyous and thrilled
Q6.
In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer describes the tree as having "arms" that can "snatch". This is an example of ...
simile.
metaphor.
pathetic fallacy.