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Year 9 - English

Writing a response on human nature in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'

'Lord of the Flies'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore 'The Lord of the Flies' by considering Golding's message about human nature. They first read the novel, before analysing the characters Ralph, Simon, Jack and Piggy. They then look at setting and symbolism before planning and writing an essay on human nature.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write a clear analytical response about human nature in the novel.

Key Notes

  • Consider the first version of your work a first draft and not the finished essay.
  • Redrafting your analytical writing is just as important as redrafting your creative writing.
  • A clear and concise essay focuses on the writer's use of methods.
  • A successful essay offers a comprehensive explanation and exploration of the effects the writer's methods.
  • Asking yourself 'why' at each stage in the writing process helps you to maintain a focus on the writer's intentions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Writer's intentions: the writer's intentions are what they hope to achieve through writing the text
  • To redraft: to make changes and improvements to an existing piece of writing
  • Synonym: a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word e.g. fun and enjoyable

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students often think that the first attempt at their response is the finished version.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Consider the first version of your work a first draft and not the finished essay. Redrafting your analytical writing is just as important as redrafting your creative writing.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Writer's intentions'

the writer's intentions are what they hope to achieve through writing the text.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students often think that the first attempt at their response is the finished version. Correction: Redrafting your work has many benefits and the second attempt is always superior. Taking time to reflect on your work and identify areas for improvements allows you to recognise any lack of clarity in your explanations.

More Lessons In This Unit

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