Page 42 - Knowledge Organiser Yr8 24-25

Knowledge Base: English Gothic Poetry and Prose Year 8 | Autumn Term 1
Model example
Refer to the extract from “Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier How does Du Maurier use language (words and phrases)
to create a sense of confinement in this setting?
A sense of confinement is created through the symbolism of darkness
and oppressive nature. This is demonstrated by the imagery of “branches... intermingled” which conveys that the trees and nature itself have grown so close and tightly together that the area around the setting is “not spacious” and confined. Because D u Maurier uses nature as an oppressive force, the reader begins to feel a sense of enclosure and discomfort at this mysterious location. Not only is nature turning against the narrator but also the use of personification blocks out the natural light as “even the midday sun would not penetrate the interlacing of those green leaves”. Consequently, the overall sense of the setting is one of restriction, confinement and feeling trapped.
The topic sentence uses words from the question to begin the answer.
Use of causal connective “because” to extend and justify an initial point.
Quotations are intentionally short and have deliberately been selected to answer the question.
Accurate and correct use of literary terminology.
The pupil uses ellipsis to select key information from longer quotations.
The pupil uses phrasing such as “not only but also” to show an expansion and development of a point and includes vocabulary which is relevant to the question and the gothic genre.
Uses analytical verbs “conveys”
and “demonstrates” to indicate deeper thought is happening as the pupil explores the quotation in relation to the theme of ‘confinement’.
The end sentence refers back to the topic sentence.
It analyses word choices and concludes the pupil’s point.
The pupil impassively refers to “the reader” rather than writing in the first person “I”.
Critical Writing: Some useful sentence starters
Writing a topic sentence Use words and phrases from the question or task to write your topic sentence. Remember to write using full sentences.
Introducing evidence
This can be seen...
We learn this when... This is demonstrated by...
Embedding quotations:
Put the quotation inside your own analysis or point rather than putting it separately and then commenting on it. The idea is that the quotation will flow within your sentence and you won’t hear the quotation marks.
Making inferences
implies suggests shows
conveys illustrates demonstrates
Extending and justifying points
because but
so
furthermore consequently
Writing an end sentence The end sentence should refer back to the topic sentence of your answer. You should include similar vocabulary to ensure that you conclude your point.
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