Year 3 - English
Writing the opening of 'The BFG' (part one)
'The BFG': reading and narrative writing
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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 write the first part of a narrative opening based on 'The BFG'.
Key Notes
- The purpose of a narrative opening is to introduce the characters and to describe the setting to the reader.
- 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 add extra detail to the main clause.
- This narrative version of 'The BFG' is written in the past tense.
Vocabulary To Learn
- text flow: how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
- fronted adverbial: a sentence starter followed by a comma
- past tense: shows that the action happened before now
- complex sentence: a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils might write about moments that take place later in the narrative.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
The purpose of a narrative opening is to introduce the characters and to describe the setting to the reader. 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 might write about moments that take place later in the narrative. Correction: The first part of the opening follows a clear, chronological order that includes the three key moments from pupils' plans.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Engaging with 'The BFG' Study Guide
- Engaging with the opening chapter of '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 two) Study Guide
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