New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Writing humorously

I can identify and use a range of technique for creating humour.

New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Writing humorously

I can identify and use a range of technique for creating humour.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. When we satirise something, we use humour to criticise it.
  2. Humorous writing involves carefully deploying specific writing techniques.
  3. Techniques for humorous writing include irony, parody, bathos and hyperbole.
  4. A how to article can be structured in the form of a list or a step-by-step guide.
  5. When planning your humorous writing, it is important to identify the techniques you will use as well as the ideas.

Keywords

  • Satire - use of humour or exaggeration to criticise or mock social practices or ideas

  • Hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

  • Irony - a form of deliberate mockery in which one says the opposite of what is obviously true

  • Bathos - a sudden change from a beautiful or important subject to a silly or very ordinary one

  • To parody - to copy the style of someone or something in a humorous way

Common misconception

Students sometimes think that that some people are just naturally funny and that being funny can't be taught.

Explain that humour is a skill that can be developed and practised by using words and phrases deliberately.

Students may want to pick their own topic in Learning Cycle 2. Mindmap ideas so that they are clear that they are clear that the primary intention is humour not self help. So, the best ideas will be something that is easy to do or something that isn't usually advised.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of ‘How to look busy while doing absolutely nothing’ which can be found in the additional materials.

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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6 Questions

Q1.
What does it mean to write humorously?
to use complex and sophisticated language to sound intelligent
to convey information in a serious and straightforward manner
Correct answer: to entertain the reader by making them laugh or smile by witty writing
to write in a way that evokes fear or suspense
Q2.
What would you expect from a text whose title begins with "How to..."?
an exciting story with characters and a plot
a detailed analysis of historical events or theories
Correct answer: a guide on ways to accomplish a specific task or skill
a vivid and detailed description of a place or person
Q3.
What is the best definition of anti-climax?
a sudden change in a story that shifts the focus from one character to another
the most exciting and intense part of a story or event
Correct answer: a conclusion that is less exciting than expected
the introduction of a new character or plot twist that adds tension
Q4.
When we talk about writers' techniques, what do we mean?
the types of books a writer prefers to read
Correct answer: the methods and strategies writers use to convey their ideas
the specific locations where a writer likes to work
the personal opinions and beliefs of a writer
Q5.
Why might we analyse a model answer?
to find mistakes and criticise the writer's approach
to compare it with our own answer for entertainment purposes
Correct answer: to explore its structure, techniques, and content and see why it is effective
Correct answer: to use our understanding of the model answer to inform our own writing
to memorise it and use ideas and phrases in our own writing
Q6.
If a piece of writing has a 'twist' at the end, what does this mean?
The ending is predictable and follows the expected storyline.
The writing concludes with a detailed summary of the main points.
Correct answer: The ending contains an unexpected or surprising turn of events.
The writing ends abruptly without a clear conclusion.

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is a synonym for "humorous"?
melancholic
Correct answer: funny
tragic
stern
wonderful
Q2.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:irony,where the intended meaning is opposite to what is actually being said

where the intended meaning is opposite to what is actually being said

Correct Answer: satire ,the use of humour to criticise and expose flaws in society

the use of humour to criticise and expose flaws in society

Correct Answer:bathos ,a sudden drop from the serious to the trivial

a sudden drop from the serious to the trivial

Correct Answer:hyperbole ,a literary technique involving exaggerated statements

a literary technique involving exaggerated statements

Correct Answer:parody,imitation of a particular style or genre, made funny by exaggeration

imitation of a particular style or genre, made funny by exaggeration

Q3.
Which of the following is an example of parody?
Correct answer: a novel that uses stereotypes to mock the conventions of romantic comedy
a news article that reports an actual event with serious, factual information
a poem that uses hyperbole to emphasise the extent of a hero’s achievements
a TV show that highlights the absurdities in modern politics using wit and irony
Q4.
Why might we use a numbered list in our writing?
to create a narrative flow and build suspense
to provide a detailed analysis of a complex subject in a structured format
Correct answer: to separate different items or steps, making it clear how many there are
to highlight the emotional tone of a piece through descriptive language
Q5.
Which technique is being used in the following statement: "I've told you a million times to tidy your room."?
irony
satire
Correct answer: hyperbole
structure
Q6.
Which technique is being used in the following sentence: "He gave a heartfelt speech about the importance of world peace and then reminded everyone to pick up their dry cleaning."?
hyperbole
Correct answer: bathos
irony
parody
satire

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