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Year 7 - English

'The Twisted Tree': how the writer builds tension

'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 explain how tension is built in 'The Twisted Tree'.

Key Notes

  • The novel gets more frightening and tense as it progresses, because of the increasing threat to Martha's life.
  • Writers often raise tension by introducing uncertainty, conflict or time pressure into stories.
  • Inferences should be developed to include additional interpretations.
  • Burge uses elements of the Gothic to raise the tension when Martha enters the twisted tree for the first time.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • inference: a conclusion you reach by applying logic to the evidence you are given
  • tension: a feeling of nervousness or worry when reading a text
  • the Gothic: a style of writing that involves dark, mysterious and supernatural themes
  • time pressure: introduction of a deadline or time limit for characters to achieve their goals

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils might believe that tension in a story is only created through dramatic events or actions.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The novel gets more frightening and tense as it progresses, because of the increasing threat to Martha's life. Writers often raise tension by introducing uncertainty, conflict or time pressure into stories.

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

a conclusion you reach by applying logic to the evidence you are given.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils might believe that tension in a story is only created through dramatic events or actions. Correction: Tension can also be built through subtle elements like descriptive language, sensory details and the anticipation of what might happen next.

More Lessons In This Unit

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