Year 3 - English
Engaging with the opening chapter of 'The BFG'
'The BFG': reading and narrative writing
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils write their own version of two sections of narrative based on 'The BFG', using their exploration of the original text by Roald Dahl in the accompanying reading unit. Pupils write a narrative opening and build-up, using literary devices to meet specific purposes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to read aloud and discuss the opening chapter of 'The BFG'.
Key Notes
- Reading aloud involves using an expressive voice, varying volume, emphasising keywords and using facial expressions.
- Roald Dahl uses repetition, ambiguity and a cliffhanger to create a scary atmosphere in the opening chapter.
- Inferring is about drawing conclusions or making educated guesses based on information and clues provided in a text.
- Evidence from the text is used to support inferences we make about a character or an event in a text.
- Precise vocabulary choices, setting descriptions and purposeful sentence structures are used to build suspense.
Vocabulary To Learn
- evidence: the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning
- inference: a conclusion drawn from information and evidence in a text
- atmosphere: the feeling a writer wants their readers to experience, like suspense or fear or joy
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it difficult to understand elements from the opening due to unfamiliar vocabulary.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Reading aloud involves using an expressive voice, varying volume, emphasising keywords and using facial expressions. Roald Dahl uses repetition, ambiguity and a cliffhanger to create a scary atmosphere in the opening chapter.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'evidence'
the information from a text that can support or justify our reasoning.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may find it difficult to understand elements from the opening due to unfamiliar vocabulary. Correction: Pre-teach unfamiliar vocabulary from the opening, using visual images to support student understanding.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Engaging with 'The BFG' Study Guide
- Peer editing a narrative scene based on 'The BFG' Study Guide
- Planning the build-up of 'The BFG' (part one) Study Guide
- Planning the build-up of 'The BFG' (part two) Study Guide
- Planning the opening of 'The BFG' (part one) Study Guide
- Planning the opening of 'The BFG' (part two) Study Guide
- Publishing a narrative based on 'The BFG' Study Guide
- Writing the build-up of 'The BFG' (part one) Study Guide
- Writing the build-up of 'The BFG' (part two) Study Guide
- Writing the opening of 'The BFG' (part one) Study Guide
- Writing the opening of 'The BFG' (part two) Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.