Writing an extended response on 'A Christmas Carol'
I can create a written response which meets a success criteria.
Writing an extended response on 'A Christmas Carol'
I can create a written response which meets a success criteria.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An excellent introduction could start with a brief summary of the text and its overarching message.
- It should then have a specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis (overarching argument).
- Topic sentences need to be clear, linked to the question and led by key ideas (not feature-spotting).
- Context can be used to develop arguments.
- An effective conclusion will summarise key points in the response and consider the writer’s intentions.
Keywords
Subtle - less obvious; nuanced; complex or understated
Feature-spotting - leading an analytical paragraph by identifying methods or techniques used by a writer
Tentative language - language which indicates a suggestion or idea (as opposed to a fact)
Discourse markers - language used to signpost different parts of a text (e.g., 'In conclusion, ...')
Redraft - rewriting parts of your work to include missing elements or upgrade the quality of your response
Common misconception
Analytical paragraphs should lead by identifying how a writer uses language, form and/or structure.
The best analytical writing begins by exploring how key ideas or attitudes in a poem link to the question focus, supported by analysis of how the writer uses language, form and/or structure to convey these ideas or attitudes.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, as well as a copy of the question and selected extract from Stave 3. You can find this in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
explains the focus of the paragraph
an analysis of language, form and structure
summarises the paragraph