1. The figure in the graveyard
Smart English: Gothic Horror
The figure in the graveyard
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

2. To choose words carefully for effect (WAF2, WAF7)
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
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

3. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
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.
List three well-known superstitions.
big
dark
ruined
scared
evil
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

4. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
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. 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 4 to 6, Lesson 5

6. What effect might these words and phrases have on the reader?
Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
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?
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 these words and phrases have on the reader?
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

7. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
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 reader’s mind.
‘I felt my blood run cold’
Aiming for Levels 4 to 6, Lesson 5

8. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
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