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Year 4 - English

Writing the build-up of a narrative based on 'Jabberwocky'

'Jabberwocky': narrative writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils write a full narrative based on the nonsense poem 'Jabberwocky' from 'Through the Looking-Glass' by Lewis Carroll. Pupils write an opening, build-up, climax and resolution, focusing on writing all parts of the narrative arc and devoting time to editing their writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write the build-up of a narrative based on 'Jabberwocky'.

Key Notes

  • The purpose of the build-up is to develop the characters' emotions and build tension and suspense.
  • Notes from a plan can be used to form full sentences.
  • A new paragraph signifies a new key moment.
  • A range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
  • A relative complex sentence is formed of a main clause that can be interrupted by a relative clause.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • text flow: how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
  • relative clause: a type of subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun
  • rhetorical question: a question asked to the reader that does not expect an answer
  • fronted adverbial: a sentence starter followed by a comma

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may struggle with how to apply the comma rule in a relative 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 develop the characters' emotions and build tension and suspense. Notes from a plan can be used to form full sentences.

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 struggle with how to apply the comma rule in a relative complex sentence. Correction: Provide a visual scaffold of a relative complex sentence. Ask children to identify the relative pronoun that begins the relative clause and ensure that the visual highlights the comma rule.

More Lessons In This Unit

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