Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

1
The figure in the graveyard
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
2
Learning objective
To choose words carefully for effect (WAF2, WAF7)
Learning outcome
To continue an extract from a gothic horror text,
keeping a consistent atmosphere
Success criteria Success criteria Success criteria Success criteria
AF Level 4 / All students can Level 5 / Most students can Level 6 / Some students can
WAF2 Clearly establish the main purpose of the writing Establish and keep up the main purpose Use and often vary the features of the chosen form to suit purpose and reader
WAF7 Choose some words carefully Choose words for particular effect Mostly choose words carefully so that they are right for the desired effect, purpose and audience or reader
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
3

• Activity Work with a partner. Complete the
  activities below as quickly as possible.
• Look at the words below. For each one, challenge
  each other to think of other words or phrases
  that have the same or a similar meaning.
• Look at the five groups of words below. Which is
  the odd one out in each group? Circle your
  choice, then explain your reasons to your
  partner.
• a. devilish heavenly ghoulish deadly
• b. bleak deserted soft harsh
• c. treacherous hideous beauteous
  dangerous
• d. derelict crumbling pretty dismal
• e. freakish scary delightful monstrous
• In a few words, describe a typical setting for a
  gothic horror film.

big
dark
ruined
scared
evil
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
4

1. Look at the words in the left-hand column below.
   For each one, challenge each other to think of
   other words or phrases that have the same or a
   similar meaning.

big
huge
dark
ruined
scared
frightened
evil

• Look at the five groups of words below. Which is
  the odd one out in each group? Circle your
  choice, then explain your reasons to your
  partner.
• a. devilish heavenly ghoulish deadly
• b. bleak deserted soft harsh
• c. treacherous hideous beauteous
  dangerous
• d. derelict crumbling pretty dismal
• e. freakish scary delightful monstrous

Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
5

• In a few words, describe a typical setting for a
  gothic horror film.
• List three well-known superstitions.

Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
6
Activity Look at the words and phrases that have
been underlined in the following passage from The
Woman in the Graveyard (Students Book, p. 31).
What do you associate with the words and phrases
that have been underlined?
As the woman stood up I saw that she was dressed
entirely in black, her skirt was to the floor and
she had on a jacket, tightly buttoned around her
skeletal frame. Her head was still bowed as she
turned to me, holding up the single white flower
she had in her hand she lifted her head, slowly,
determinedly, and as her white face and dark eyes
raised towards me, I felt my blood run cold.
What effect might thesewords and phrases haveon
the reader?
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
7

• Activity Complete the table below by explaining
• What we might associate with each word or phrase
• What effect each word or phrase might have on the
  reader.

WORDS
ASSOCIATIONS
EFFECT ON THE READER
entirely in black
death, darkness
The reader may feel fearful of this figure
because it is unusual to dress entirely in black,
which reminds us of death and can sometimes feel
threatening.
skeletal
single white flower
loneliness, delicacy
white face and dark eyes
The contrast of white and dark in this image
is startling to imagine and will stick in the
readers mind.
I felt my blood run cold
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5
8
I stepped backwards, struggling to retain my
balance on the uneven ground. As I felt for a
stone or branch to steady myself, I saw the woman
take a slow and uncomfortable step towards me
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5