Narrative Structure Analysis

Overview

This 50-minute lesson engages Year 10 students in analysing narrative structure using the specific example of Inside No. 9 Season 5 Episode 4, "Misdirection" from BBC iPlayer. The focus is on how the writer uses structure to build tension and suspense, aligned with the English National Curriculum for KS4 English Language and Literature.

National Curriculum Links

English Language KS4 – Reading:
- Analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to create effects and influence readers (NC code: 4a)
- Analyse how writers use structure to emphasise particular ideas and themes (4b)
English Literature KS4 – Reading:
- Analyse the impact of writers’ choices of structure and narrative on reader engagement and interpretation (4b)
Spoken Language: participate effectively in discussions (5a)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Identify and explain key parts of narrative structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) in a filmed text.
Use a structure mountain graphic organiser to break down and sequence story events from "Misdirection."
Analyse how the writer creates suspense and tension through structural choices.
Use scaffolded sentence starters to express analytical points confidently.
Collaborate and discuss insights to deepen understanding of narrative impact.

Resources Needed

Structure mountain worksheet for each student (divided into five sections: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution)
Sentence starter handout/scaffold for analysis (e.g., "The exposition introduces...", "The rising action builds tension by...")
Whiteboard and markers
Clip of Inside No. 9 S5 E4 "Misdirection" (26 mins approx - teacher to select key scenes or summarise)
Example completed structure mountain for a short familiar story (provided by the teacher)

Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge of narrative structure.

Display a simple story structure diagram (story mountain) with key labels.
Ask students to shout out a story or film plot they know well (e.g., a fairy tale or popular film).
Brief whole-class discussion on how stories have a beginning, build up to a climax, and then resolve.

Teacher Note: Use this to check understanding and prime them for the task.

2. Introduction (7 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the resource text and explain learning goals.

Outline the episode "Misdirection" from Inside No. 9 as an example of clever narrative structure designed to create suspense. Briefly summarise the episode premise without spoilers.
Explain the structure mountain worksheet and how each part (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) relates to a story’s tension and suspense.
Show a model example using a well-known text (e.g., The Necklace by Maupassant or a familiar film clip). Complete the structure mountain briefly on the board.
Distribute sentence starters and emphasise their use for supporting written answers.

3. Guided Viewing & Analysis (20 minutes)

Objective: Apply structure analysis to the episode.

Teacher-led viewing of key selected scenes of "Misdirection" (total 15-20 mins; consider pre-prepared clips or summarised narration if full episode not possible).
Pause after each narrative phase to discuss:
- What happens here?
- How does this build tension/suspense?
- What structural element is it? (exposition, rising action etc.)
Model completing the corresponding box on a large structure mountain projected or drawn on the board, using sentence starters.
Encourage students to fill their own worksheet in real time.

Differentiation:

Provide pre-written key phrases for lower ability students to adapt.
Challenge higher ability students to write an additional sentence analysing writer’s choice of structure.

4. Paired Activity – Discussion & Completion (12 minutes)

Objective: Develop understanding through peer collaboration.

In pairs, students compare and discuss their structure mountain notes.
They use the sentence starters to formulate 1-2 analytical sentences per section, focusing on tension/suspense.
Encourage them to add quotes or describe camera/filming techniques briefly if able (to link with media literacy).
Circulate and support with scaffolds and extension questions.

5. Plenary & Assessment (6 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce learning, assess understanding, and reflect.

Invite 3-4 pairs to share a section of their structure mountain and explain how the structure creates suspense.
Use questioning to probe deeper (e.g., "Why does the climax have this effect on the audience?").
Collect worksheets for assessment of:
- Correct identification of structure sections
- Use of scaffolded sentence starters and analytical language
Exit ticket: One sentence from each student on “How does narrative structure control tension in 'Misdirection'?”

Assessment & Feedback

Formative assessment during the guided viewing and paired discussions.
Summative assessment through completed structure mountain worksheets.
Written sentence starters provide evidence of analytical skills aligned with NC Reading objectives (analysing structural features).
Verbal contributions assessed against Spoken Language criteria.

Extension Ideas / Homework

Write a short paragraph analysing the use of tension in another Inside No. 9 episode or a favourite TV episode.
Create their own short story plan using a structure mountain to build suspense.
Research another example of narrative structure in film or literature and present findings.

Additional Teacher Tips

Use multimedia: show brief clips on a smartboard and discuss framing and editing that contribute to suspense.
Encourage metacognition by asking, “Why do you think the writer chose to place this event here?”
For mixed abilities, pair stronger analysts with less confident peers to foster scaffolded peer learning.
Use coloured pens or highlighters for students to visually map tension peaks on their worksheets for kinaesthetic and visual learners.

This lesson plan combines detailed curriculum alignment with engaging media text use, scaffolded support, and interactive tasks designed to deepen analytical skills in Year 10 students.

Teaching Instructions