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Year 9

Reading and forming opinions on a 19th century text

I can decode a 19th century text and form my own opinions in a discussion.

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New
New
Year 9

Reading and forming opinions on a 19th century text

I can decode a 19th century text and form my own opinions in a discussion.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. ‘Around the World in 72 Days’ is an example of a travelogue.
  2. Nellie Bly challenges societal expectations of women in the 19th century.
  3. Opinions should be informed by available information or evidence.
  4. Effective discussions will involve taking turns, developing ideas, using evidence and responding to other speakers.

Common misconception

Opinions are just what you think and don't need to be informed by anything.

Opinions should be informed by available information or evidence. For example: prior knowledge, contextual information and the writer's language choices, can all help to create informed opinions.

Keywords

  • Deduce - to reach a conclusion or form an opinion based on available information or evidence

  • Elixir - a magical or medicinal potion, often used metaphorically to describe something highly desirable or life-changing

  • Visionary - a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like

  • Timidly - to behave with a lack of courage or confidence or act to shy

  • Informed - to use evidence and available information to create an opinion

Task B can be completed as a written task, if discussion is not a viable option.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the extract 'Around the World in 72 Days', by Nellie Bly available in the additional materials.

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following best describes a travelogue?
A detailed map created to tell a story.
A scientific report on the climate and geography of a particular region.
Correct answer: An account of someone's experiences and observations while travelling.
A fictional story set in a distant land with imaginary characters and events.
Q2.
If a text was published in 1890, what century is it from?
17th
18th
Correct answer: 19th
20th
Q3.
Which of these words does not link to the stereotypical view of women and femininity in the 18th and 19th centuries?
kind
gentle
quiet
polite
Correct answer: aggressive
Q4.
What does it mean to 'conform'?
to have the most power or influence in a situation
Correct answer: to behave or think in a socially acceptable way
a simplified belief about a group of people
Q5.
Which word beginning with 's' can be described as 'a simplified belief about a group of people'?
Correct Answer: stereotype, stereotypical
Q6.
Which sentence best describes the societal expectations of women in the 19th century?
Women were expected to pursue higher education and professional careers.
Correct answer: Women were primarily expected to focus on domestic and care-giving roles.
Women were encouraged to participate in political leadership and public debates.
Women were considered equal partners in all aspects of economic and social life.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Nellie Bly's book 'Around the World in 72 Days' was published in which century?
16th
17th
18th
Correct answer: 19th
20th
Q2.
The starting sentence of 'Around the World in 72 Days' is "What gave me the idea?". Which language device is Bly using to hook her reader in?
statistics
a direct address
a simile
Correct answer: a rhetorical question
Q3.
Which definition best describes the word 'elixir'?
Correct answer: a magical or medicinal potion
a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
a conclusion based on information
a person who is shy or timid
Q4.
Which word beginning with 'i' can be used to describe an opinion that is based on evidence and available information?
Correct Answer: informed
Q5.
Why does Nellie Bly describe her idea to travel around the world in less than 80 days as “wild and visionary”?
It was a well-established tradition.
Correct answer: It was unconventional and ambitious, especially for a woman at that time.
It was a simple and recognisable plan.
It was a repetitive task.
Q6.
How did societal views on women in the 19th century influence the editor’s initial decision about Bly’s journey in 'Around the World in 72 Days'?
They believed women were more capable than men.
Correct answer: They thought only men could handle such a trip.
They wanted to prove that women were equal to men.
They had no influence at all.

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