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Year 7 - English

'The Twisted Tree': Revising inferences

'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 recall key extracts from the novel and make inferences about them.

Key Notes

  • When making an inference, start by choosing a key word or technique to zoom in on.
  • Inferences should be developed with additional ideas that could link to context.
  • Similes and metaphors that link to snakes are often used, for the association with evil.
  • Fog often symbolises mystery and danger.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • inference: a conclusion you reach by applying logic to the evidence you are given
  • sinister: giving the impression that something harmful or evil is about to happen
  • the Gothic: a style of writing that involves dark, mysterious and supernatural themes
  • simile: A figure of speech where two separate things are deliberately contrasted for effect (using 'like' or 'as')

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils might think that inferences are just guesses without any evidence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

When making an inference, start by choosing a key word or technique to zoom in on. Inferences should be developed with additional ideas that could link to context.

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 think that inferences are just guesses without any evidence. Correction: Inferences are not guesses; they are conclusions drawn from evidence in the text. For example, Burge describes the fog as "snaking" around Martha. We infer that it is dangerous and sinister because the word "snake" often implies danger and malice.

More Lessons In This Unit

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