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Year 3 - English

Writing the build-up of a narrative based on 'The Man on the Moon'

'The Man on the Moon': narrative writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils write their own version of the short film 'The Man on the Moon'. The unit encourages pupils to build on their understanding of the narrative structure of opening, build-up, climax and resolution. Each section is written with a focus on using certain sentence types.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write a narrative build-up based on 'The Man on the Moon'.

Key Notes

  • The purpose of a build-up is to develop the characters and plot and often to introduce a problem.
  • 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.
  • A rhetorical question engages the reader and makes them feel more curious about the narrative.
  • Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner describe the action in the main clause in further detail.

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
  • rhetorical question: a question asked to the reader that does not expect an answer

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils might write about moments that take place in the opening, climax or resolution.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The purpose of a build-up is to develop the characters and plot and often to introduce a problem. 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 in the opening, climax or resolution. Correction: The build-up follows a clear, chronological order that includes the three key moments from pupils' plans.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.