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Year 3 - English

Planning the build-up of 'The BFG' (part one)

'The BFG': reading and narrative writing

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 plan the first part of a build-up of a narrative based on 'The BFG'.

Key Notes

  • The purpose of the build-up is to build up suspense and excitement.
  • Precise and ambitious vocabulary is logged on a plan for future use.
  • Notes should not be written in full sentences and bullet points can be used to make notes clear.
  • Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner indicate when, where and how action takes place.
  • Show-not-tell language shows a character's feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • plan: a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text
  • notes: written out of full sentences
  • ambitious vocabulary: high-level language in writing that meets the text purpose
  • suspense: when you are feeling anxious or excited about what may happen

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think they need to write full sentences on their plan.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The purpose of the build-up is to build up suspense and excitement. Precise and ambitious vocabulary is logged on a plan for future use.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'plan'

a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may think they need to write full sentences on their plan. Correction: Plans are written to support pupils with future writing. Plans include ambitious vocabulary in note form.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.