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Year 5 - English

Writing a narrative opening based on 'How To Train Your Dragon'

'How to Train Your Dragon': diary and narrative writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils use their knowledge of the text 'How To Train Your Dragon' to write a setting description, a narrative opening and a diary entry. Pupils use one stimulus to write for several outcomes, writing for different purposes by demonstrating certain techniques in each.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a plan to write the opening of a narrative based on 'How To Train Your Dragon'.

Key Notes

  • The purpose of the opening is to engage the reader and introduce characters and plot.
  • Using a range of linguistic features helps achieve the text's purpose.
  • We have learned about three types of complex sentence: adverbial, relative and non-finite.
  • Using a range of sentence types in narrative writing enhances text cohesion and keeps the reader engaged.
  • Powerful, precise vocabulary choices engage the reader and help create atmosphere.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • atmosphere: the mood created in a section or the whole of a text
  • linguistic features: structures of language that use words
  • complex sentence: a sentence composed of a main clause and any type of subordinate clause

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may not have a clear understanding of sentence types.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The purpose of the opening is to engage the reader and introduce characters and plot. Using a range of linguistic features helps achieve the text's purpose.

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

the mood created in a section or the whole of a text.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may not have a clear understanding of sentence types. Correction: This is explicitly taught in Learning Cycle 1 and pupils are tasked with finding each type of complex sentence in a model opening.

More Lessons In This Unit

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