Matilda!

 Matilda - Roald Dahl 

You will find the text we are reading HERE.

What do you think the book will be about? 

Have you ever heard about Roald Dahl?

Roald Dahl is a very famous author. Have you watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp?

He is also the author of the book that we are going to read: Matilda.

1. First of all, work on your own and write down 5 words that you think of when you see the cover of the book.
2. Compare your words with your neighbour - which words are the same and which are not?
Be prepared to share your thoughts with the whole class.

Before we start reading - discuss the questions below with your neighbour. Take notes since I want you to be able to tell the whole class as well. 

1. Do you remember how old you were when you started reading?
2. What was the first book that you read and what was it about?
3. Do you remember your first day at school, when you were 6-7 years old? What happened and how did you feel?
 

Before reading! 

1. Quizlet / Quizlet live. We will take a look at some words that you will find in the text. 

First of all, work individually and if it works... we will try Quizlet live! 

2. I will read the first chapters to you. 

3. You listen and underline words you don't understand. 

4. Together we will collect words and I will help you understand them. 

After reading chapters 1 and 2: 

Go to the worksheet and answer the questions. You may choose to write in a Google document or in your notebook. (Don't use AI to answer the questions. I will see it directly if you do. Use your brains - learn!)

You find the worksheet HERE or in Classroom. 

Roald Dahl uses fantastic adjectives to describe his characters. Below are 30 adjectives to help you describe Matilda, Miss Honey, and Miss Trunchbull. 

First, we practice in Quizlet. 

Then, match the vocabulary to their Swedish translations and definitions.

Pick the best adjectives for each character and use them in your writing.

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Words: formidable, tyrannical, bookish, menacing, modest, sensitive, brilliant, gifted, gentle, massive, cruel, intellectual, resilient, oppressive, compassionate, timid, courageous, malicious, humble, ferocious, inquisitive, extraordinary, benevolent, terrifying, precocious, empathetic, authoritarian, imaginative, monstrous, determined

Which words can be used to describe: Matilda, Miss Honey and Ms Trunchbull? 

Reading comprehension: 

 "But that's dishonest, Daddy," Matilda said. "It's cheating." 

What does Matilda mean? Why is her dad being dishonest? 

Before reading chapters 5-6 

What would you do if someone underestimated or mistreated you because you were young?

What does it mean to be clever in a way that surprises others?

Together, we will read chapters 4-6

In pairs, answer the questions below: 

Both of you write your answers in Trelson, but you may also talk to and help each other. 

a How old is Matilda when she goes to school for the first time? 

b How many children does Crunchem Hall have? 

c How many other children are in Matilda’s group? 

d How old is Miss Honey?

How many miles are Miss Trunchbull’s car on the clock?

h How old is Hortensia?

i How many times was Hortensia in The Chokey in her first year? 

k Why does Matilda start going to school later than other children?

l Why does Miss Honey try to stay calm when Matilda multiplies twelve sevens? 

m Why does Miss Honey go to see Miss Trunchbull?

n Why does Miss Trunchbull like Mr Wormwood? …

o Why does Miss Trunchbull think Matilda is a bad girl? … 

p Why does Miss Honey go to see Matilda’s parents? … 

q Why doesn’t Mr Wormwood want to see Miss Honey? … 

r Why does Miss Trunchbull put children in The Chokey? …

s Why doesn’t Miss Trunchbull like Amanda’s hair? …

t Why does Miss Trunchbull make Bruce eat the cake? 

Let's finish the book! 

Read chapters 7-9. 

Final assignment

First, plan your essay. Create a mind map. 

Show Sara! 

Then go to Trelson and write your essay. Write at least 150 words, size 12. 

1. Standing Up for What’s Right

Matilda often stands up against unfairness. Write about a moment in the book where she showed bravery. Would you have done the same thing? Why or why not? 

Have you ever stood up for someone or something? What happened? 

2. The Perfect Teacher

Miss Honey is described as kind and caring. What qualities make her a good teacher? Do you think she is the perfect teacher? Why or why not?

What is a perfect teacher for you? Explain, give examples and motivate your opinions. 

3. Your Own Ending
Imagine a different ending for Matilda. What would happen to Matilda, Miss Honey, and miss Trunchbull? Write about your new version of the ending i.e. write a new last chapter! 

Argumentative essay - your best guide!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay presents a balanced view of a topic but argues strongly for one side. To succeed in your National Exams, you must demonstrate the ability to present your own arguments clearly and to address opposing views with counterarguments. Key terms: Claim: The main point you want to prove. Argument: Evidence and reasoning supporting your claim. Counter-argument: An opposing viewpoint (what the 'other side' thinks). Response: Your response to the counter-argument shows why your claim is still stronger. The structure  Claim – what you think Counter-argument – what the other side thinks Response  – why you still think you are right Paragraphs are built with PEEL Each argument (and also the response!) is written as a PEEL paragraph. P – Point: Your reason. E – Evidence: Example or fact. E – Explain: Show why it matters. L – Link: Connect back to your claim.

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Task 1: Spot the Structure

Read the paragraph below arguing that "School days should start later."

Identify the function of each sentence by matching it to the correct term.

📢​

(1) Teenagers biologically need more sleep in the mornings to function properly. (2) Studies show that starting school at 10am improves student focus and test scores significantly. (3) Some teachers argue that starting later means finishing later, which cuts into extracurricular time. (4) However, sports and clubs can easily be rescheduled, whereas lost sleep cannot be recovered.

Sentence	Function (Claim, Evidence, Counter-argument, Response)
Sentence (1)
Sentence (2)
Sentence (3)
Sentence (4)

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Task 2: Developing Counter-arguments

​For each claim below, write a possible counter-argument (what would someone who disagrees say?).

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1. Claim: "Students should not be allowed to have mobile phones in the classroom."

Counter-argument:

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2. Claim: "Public transport should be free for everyone under 18."

Counter-argument:

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3. Claim: "Physical Education (PE) should be graded on effort, not skill."

Counter-argument:

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Task 3: The 'Turn-Back' Technique

Once you present a counter-argument, you must 'turn back' to your own view using transition words. Useful Phrases: However... Nevertheless... Despite this... While this may be true, it is more important to consider...

Word bank: although, however, despite, while

1.	__________ some people believe video games cause violence, studies show no direct link.
2.	Fast food is indeed convenient. __________, it contains high levels of salt and sugar.
3.	__________ the high cost of electric cars, they save money on fuel in the long run.

Model text 

School Uniforms improve students’ focus 

I believe school uniforms are a good idea. Uniforms help students focus on learning instead of worrying about clothes.
For example, when everyone wears similar outfits, students do not spend time choosing what to wear every morning.
This means they can use their energy for schoolwork instead of fashion.
Therefore, uniforms create a calmer learning environment.

Uniforms can also reduce social pressure.
Students do not compare brands or expensive clothes.
Because of this, fewer students may feel left out.
As a result, the school feels more equal.

Some people argue that school uniforms limit students’ freedom.

However, I do not think this argument is strong.

Clothes are only one way to express personality.
Students can show who they are through their interests, opinions, and behaviour.
Personality is shown more through actions than clothing.
Therefore, uniforms do not stop self-expression.

In conclusion, school uniforms are a good idea because they improve focus and reduce pressure while still allowing students to be themselves.

 

Task 4: Writing Practice (it is just to practice, no

grading this time)

​In Trelson, write a short argumentative text (about 10 sentences) that includes:

• A clear claim
  
  

• One argument written with PEEL
  
  

• A counter-argument
  
  

• A response written with PEEL
  
  

• A short conclusion where you repeat your claim

Topics:

• Should homework be banned?

• Is AI good for education?

• Mobile phones should be banned in schools for both students and teachers

• All students should wear uniforms in school. 

• The school must start two hours later because students are very tired 

• Separating boys and girls helps them perform better in school 

• Parents must limit how much time their children spend on tech devices - two hours per day is enough

• Mobile phones should be banned during the whole school day 

• Grades are not necessary - children study anyway

• Homework should be forbidden 

• Schools should offer cash bonuses for good test scores

   Task 5 Response 

1. Show Sara what you have written 

2. A friend will give you feedback and check if you have followed 

the guide on how to write an argumentative text. Your friend will also 

check your text for spelling and grammar mistakes. 

3. Go through your text again and fix it! 

Task 6 ESSAY WRITING - this text will be graded 

Together we will choose a date.

I will choose one or two of the topics above and you will write about 150- 500 words in Trelson.

Sara 

Here is the whole lesson plan ready to print if you want to: 

Argumentative essay - your best guide!