The figure in the graveyard Smart English: Gothic Horror The figure in the graveyard Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

To rewrite a short text to create a highly effective atmosphere Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard Learning objective: To choose words and sentences carefully for a desired effect (WAF5, WAF7) Learning outcome: To rewrite a short text to create a highly effective atmosphere Success criteria: AF Level 6 / All students can … Level 7 / Most students can … Level 8 / Some students can … WAF5 Alternate between simple and complex sentences for purpose and effect Deliberately design sentences for purpose and effect Use a range of imaginative, flexible sentence structures for deliberate effect WAF7 Mostly choose words carefully so that they are right for the desired effect, purpose and audience or reader Consistently choose words that are just right for the reader and the desired effect Carefully choose words to have just the right effect Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard Activity: Work with a partner. Complete the activities below as quickly as possible. For each phrase below, brainstorm ways to give the writing the scary atmosphere of gothic horror. Consider similes, metaphors and adjectival phrases, as well as the choice of vocabulary.   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. A dark and deserted house A tall, lean and murderous man A dark, misty and silent wood  A dusty and forgotten wooden box Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard For each phrase below, brainstorm ways to give the writing the scary atmosphere of gothic horror. Consider similes, metaphors and adjectival phrases, as well as the choice of vocabulary. A dark and deserted house A dark, misty and silent wood A tall, lean and murderous man  A dusty and forgotten wooden box 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 6 to 8, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard In a few words, describe a typical setting for a gothic horror film. List three well-known superstitions. Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard Activity 1: The words in the left-hand column of the table below are taken from the extract from The Woman in Black (Student’s Book, p. 30). What connotations do these words have for you? Complete the middle column with your ideas. Activity 2: Once you have read the extract from The Woman in Black, complete the right-hand column of the table below by describing the effect each word has on the reader. WORD CONNOTATIONS EFFECT struggled Panic and suffering, someone trying to escape This word is effective because … decayed morbid satanic Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

WHY THE SENTENCE IS EFFECTIVE Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard Activity 3: With a partner, choose three sentences that you find particularly effective in the extract from The Woman in Black and complete the table below. SENTENCE WHY THE SENTENCE IS EFFECTIVE ‘No names or dates were now decipherable, and the whole place had a decayed and abandoned air.’ This description of the burial ground emphasises the emptiness and loneliness of the place, adding a sense of eeriness and an expectation that something might happen. Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard Activity 1: Read the description below, then rewrite it to build up an atmosphere of gothic horror. Choose words carefully to create a tense, frightening atmosphere. Use a range of imaginative and flexible sentence structures for effect. Add more detail to the passage to develop the scene. The house was dark. As I approached, no one was around and I couldn’t hear many sounds. I wished I wasn’t on my own. The windows had dirty curtains and the glass was cracked in places. An owl flew through a hole in the top window and off into the night. I walked closer. Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard A heavy, smothering blanket of darkness had fallen around the house; I took a breath and felt the icy chill of the air in my lungs. The house was deserted and stood alone on the windswept hill, silent except for the shriek of an owl, echoing suddenly from the sky above. I was alone. Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5