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Year 7 - English

Reading 'The Twisted Tree': exploring and creating similes

'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read, explore and respond to the modern fairytale novel 'The Twisted Tree'. They start by reading the novel before practising writing analytically about the novel's key characters and themes. They finally respond creatively to the novel by writing an article and short script.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify and explain a writer's use of simile and use to create your own description.

Key Notes

  • Martha has a vivid nightmare about the tree.
  • Martha allows Stig to stay.
  • The tree has a symbolic meaning that will be revealed throughout the novel.
  • Similes can be used to create vivid imagery and help the reader experience what is being described.
  • When crafting similes, they need to be plausible, draw relevant comparisons and not be confusing for the reader.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • forlorn: sad, lonely or devoid of hope
  • desolate: abandoned and joyless
  • oblivion: lack of awareness or consciousness; nothingness
  • temperamental: unreliable or changing quickly
  • malice: evil; the desire to harm someone

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • As long as I have used "like" or "as", I have created an effective simile.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Martha has a vivid nightmare about the tree. Martha allows Stig to stay.

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

sad, lonely or devoid of hope.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: As long as I have used "like" or "as", I have created an effective simile. Correction: Consider this simile: 'Her voice was like a salad.' The comparison is unclear and doesn't enhance understanding.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 7 English guide library.