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Year 3 - English

Writing the build-up of 'The BFG' (part two)

'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 write the second part of a narrative build-up based on 'The BFG'.

Key Notes

  • The purpose of the build-up is to build tension and suspense.
  • Saying sentences aloud before they are written helps to check for sense.
  • Using the full range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
  • Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner describe the action in the main clause in further detail.
  • 'Show-not-tell' language shows a character's feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • text flow: how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
  • 'show-not-tell': shows a character's feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions
  • complex sentence: a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
  • fronted adverbial: a sentence starter followed by a comma

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may find it difficult to remember the comma rule in a complex sentence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The purpose of the build-up is to build tension and suspense. Saying sentences aloud before they are written helps to check for sense.

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

how a text is written to keep the reader engaged.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may find it difficult to remember the comma rule in a complex sentence. Correction: Commas are only needed in a complex sentence when the subordinate clause comes first. Remind pupils that if the subordinate clause comes second, they do not need a comma before the subordinating conjunction.

More Lessons In This Unit

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