Considering and analysing the use of anecdotes in a non-fiction text
I can identify and analyse the use of anecdotes for effect in a non-fiction text.
Considering and analysing the use of anecdotes in a non-fiction text
I can identify and analyse the use of anecdotes for effect in a non-fiction text.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In responding to a personal essay, we might ask what it is the writer wants us to understand about their lives.
- Potentially, writers might use anecdotes in personal essays to creates an emotional reaction in the reader.
- Arguably, Reedy's use of anecdotes elicits a sympathetic response from the reader.
- We might analyse anecdotes by considering the writer's use of specific words and methods.
Keywords
Personal essay - an autobiographical essay that relates a significant personal experience of the essay writer
Anecdote - a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing or biographical incident
Elicit - evoke or draw out (a reaction, answer or fact) from someone
Sympathetic - characterised by, feeling or showing sympathy; understanding
Common misconception
That we can develop a personal response by asking the same questions of every non-fiction text.
While some questions are universal, a non-fiction text such as a personal essay may require us to ask questions about what the writer want us to understand about their lives in order for us to respond to it.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Considering and analysing the use of anecdotes in a non-fiction text, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Considering and analysing the use of anecdotes in a non-fiction text, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to Reedy's 'My life as a little person'. A link is available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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