New
New
Year 7

Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: the presence of the tree

I can make judgements and effectively discuss statements about a text.

New
New
Year 7

Reading ‘The Twisted Tree’: the presence of the tree

I can make judgements and effectively discuss statements about a text.

warning

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

  1. Yrsa and Olav, the neighbours, are concerned that Martha is at the house alone.
  2. Martha sees a picture of her ancestors who conjure spells.
  3. Martha feels Mormor's clothes and realises she died in anguish.
  4. Fog in literature often symbolises secrecy or foreboding.
  5. The tree seems unnatural and decaying.

Keywords

  • Formidable - causing fear or dread

  • Furtive - behaving or acting in a secret or sly way

  • Erratic - irregular or lacking consistency

  • Scrutiny - intense observation or examination

  • Anguish - an extreme sense of anger, resulting in murderous thoughts

Common misconception

That discussions are just 'chats' and aren't that important.

Think about all of the times you may need to use your verbal skills e.g. an interview or presentation. Being able to articulate yourself well verbally is an important skill to have.

Learning cycle 2 can be completed as a written task, if discussion is not a viable option.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019.

Content guidance

  • 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 (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

6 Questions

Q1.
In 'The Twisted Tree' what is the name of the character who gives Martha a lift from the ferry?
Stig
Correct answer: Olav
Mormor
Q2.
In 'The Twisted Tree', what does Martha wear after her accident?
a glove
a sling
a charm bracelet
Correct answer: sunglasses
Q3.
In 'The Twisted Tree', Mormor has a dog. What is the dog's name?
Merlin
Gregory
Correct answer: Gandalf
Dumbledore
Q4.
Which word beginning with 'p' describes the main character in a text?
Correct Answer: protagonist
Q5.
What does the definition 'the time and place in which the events of a piece of writing take place' refer to?
theme
charactersiation
plot
Correct answer: setting
Q6.
Which word beginning with 'S' could be used to describe Martha's powers in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Correct Answer: supernatural

6 Questions

Q1.
In 'The Twisted Tree', what is the name of Olav's wife?
Correct Answer: Yrsa
Q2.
In 'The Twisted Tree' the island is called Skjebne, what does this name translate to?
mistress
wandered
Correct answer: fate or destiny
the lady
little island
Q3.
In 'The Twisted Tree', the writer describes the tree has having a "heart" that pulsates. Which technique is being used here?
Correct answer: personification
pathetic fallacy
alliteration
simile
Q4.
Which of these answers is true about the island of Skjebne in 'The Twisted Tree'?
Correct answer: it's fictional
it's a real place in Norway
it's name means "mistress"
Q5.
An effective discussion involves ...
Correct answer: taking turns.
Correct answer: providing evidence.
interrupting.
Correct answer: responding to the other speaker.
disagreeing for the sake of it.
Q6.
Which answer best describes the word 'erratic'?
feeling trapped and wanting to escape
Correct answer: irregular or lacking consistency
feeling trapped and wanting to escape
causing fear or dread