Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror

The figure in the graveyard

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: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


Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard



Activity: Work with a partner. Complete the activities below as quickly as possible.

1. 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.

2. 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.

• List three well-known superstitions.

big dark ruined scared evil



2. 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

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

dark

ruined

scared

huge

frightened

evil



3. In a few words, describe a typical setting for a gothic horror film.

4. List three well-known superstitions.

a.

b.

c.



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.

Activity: Look at the words and phrases that have been underlined in the following passage from The Woman in the Graveyard (Student’s Book, p. 31).

What do you associate with the words and phrases that

have been underlined?

What effect might thesewords and phrases have

on the reader?



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’

‘skeletal’

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.

‘single white flower’

‘white face and dark eyes’

loneliness, delicacy

The contrast of ‘white’ and ‘dark’ in this image is startling to imagine and will stick in the reader’s mind.

‘I felt my blood run cold’



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 …

Documents

Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5