Summary 1

Summary for Lesson 1

In today’s lesson we began our work on 11+ comprehension and writing, beginning with comprehension in the first hour and switching to writing from a picture prompt in the second. In our comprehension class, we opened with an overview of four key skills (connotation, imagery, structure & theme), discussing what literary analysis required of us and how we can think about viewing literature through a lens. Then, we focused on the key skill of connotation analysis, digging into the way connotation and denotation differ and how this can be used symbolically, metaphorically, and to create negative/positive associations. We practiced writing utilising varied connotations and then analysed a passage from a text together, unpicking the hidden meaning behind the text. Finally, the class completed a P.E.E. paragraph on an 11+ comprehension passage, paying particular attention to the connotation of the words used. I was really impressed by the level of analysis the class exhibited today, particularly when it came to thinking about underlying imagery being used and how this could create a particular atmosphere i.e., the sinister, grotesque connotations and imagery in the Margaret Atwood passage contrasting the otherwise benign picture of a garden in bloom. Brilliant work on this today everyone- you should all be very proud of your ideas!

In our writing segment, we worked on writing from a picture prompt, beginning with an overview from an 11+ examiner video of what they are looking for in this exam and the key things to remember when writing the creative task. We then looked in depth at literary techniques, one of the most important parts of this exam, and the class discussed which they preferred to use and why. We applied this to a picture prompt, writing vivid, creative and unique literary techniques to fit within the story suggested by the image from an 11+ exam. Finally we discussed how to keep literary techniques (particularly simile and metaphor) fresh and exciting for the reader, completing a task on metaphorical association using the words “paper” and “child” to create interesting imagery. We also discussed in the lesson how to approach writing from a picture, using things such as theme, genre and observation to help create a framework from which to write. Excellent writing, concentration and contributions from everyone today, I really enjoyed hearing all the fantastic ideas you came up with and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow! Well done class 🙂

Connotation revision page with the videos I mentioned: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-connotation-definition-examples/

The 11+ mock we used for the P.E.E. is attached below if you would like to have a look at it- you can post any questions on the forum 🙂

Writing video that we watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxo0BJXoFM8&t=137s

Homework