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Year 7

'The Twisted Tree': scripting a scene from the novel

I can turn a key scene from 'The Twisted Tree' into a written script.

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New
New
Year 7

'The Twisted Tree': scripting a scene from the novel

I can turn a key scene from 'The Twisted Tree' into a written script.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A script can transform key moments from stories into structured, performable scenes.
  2. Scripts must include the act and scene number, character profiles, character names, stage directions and dialogue.
  3. Stage directions can describe the setting, time of day, weather, mood and characters' actions and emotions.
  4. Dialogue specifies what each character says, with accompanying stage directions on how to deliver the lines.
  5. Effective script writing requires detailed opening stage directions to establish the scene's atmosphere and context.

Keywords

  • Script - the written text of a play, including dialogue and instructions for performance

  • Stage directions - instructions in the script that tell actors where to go, how to move, and how to speak

  • Dialogue - the spoken words between characters in a play

  • Act - a major division within a play, often encompassing several scenes

  • Character profiles - brief descriptions of characters that outline their personalities and roles in the script

Common misconception

Stage directions are just suggestions and don't need to be followed exactly.

Stage directions are essential parts of the script that provide important guidance on how the scene should be performed. They help create the atmosphere, convey emotions and ensure the story is told as the writer intended.


To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': scripting a scene from the novel, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Enhance the lesson by incorporating visual aids such as pictures or videos of stage performances to show how scripts are brought to life. Additionally, encourage students to perform short scenes from their scripts in pairs or small groups.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

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

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is being described here: 'the written text of a play, including dialogue and instructions for performance.'?
Correct answer: Script
Scene
Act
Character Profile
Setting
Q2.
At the start of 'The Twisted Tree', which character does Martha find living in Mormor's Cabin?
Correct Answer: Stig
Q3.
In which season does most of the action of 'The Twisted Tree' take place?
Correct answer: Winter
Summer
Spring
Autumn
Q4.
An Act is made up of multiple ...
Correct answer: scenes
scripts
dialogues
characters
Q5.
What is being described here: 'the spoken words between characters in a play'?
Correct Answer: dialogue
Q6.
Writing a script would be appropriate for ...
a novel.
Correct answer: a play.
Correct answer: a film.
a poem.
Correct answer: a tv show.

6 Questions

Q1.
Match these terms to their definitions.
Correct Answer:scene,a subdivision of an act, typically set in a single location and time
tick

a subdivision of an act, typically set in a single location and time

Correct Answer:act,a major division within a play, often encompassing several scenes
tick

a major division within a play, often encompassing several scenes

Correct Answer:dialogue,the spoken words between characters in a play
tick

the spoken words between characters in a play

Correct Answer:stage directions,instructions in the script that tell actors what to do
tick

instructions in the script that tell actors what to do

Q2.
When scripting a scene, which elements help to establish the mood and atmosphere?
character names and profiles
Correct answer: stage directions outlining the setting
dialogue and plot summary
stage directions given to actors when delivering their lines
Q3.
In 'The Twisted Tree', when Martha first encounters Stig in Mormor's cabin, what would be an appropriate stage direction to accompany the dialogue 'Who are you?'?
Correct answer: angrily
Correct answer: startled
calmy
happily
Q4.
Which of the following should NOT be included in the stage directions at the start of a scene?
act and scene number
setting description
time and weather
Correct answer: character dialogue
Q5.
What is the purpose of adding adjectives or adverbs in stage directions?
to elaborate on the plot
Correct answer: to guide actors on how to deliver their lines
to provide historical context
to describe the author's intentions
Q6.
What is an example of a specific action given as a stage direction that an audience will be able to see?
Correct answer: 'nodding'
'thinking deeply'
'searching his memory'
'pausing to reply'