1. The figure in the graveyard
Smart English: Gothic Horror
The figure in the graveyard
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

2. To rewrite a short text to create a highly effective atmosphere
Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
Learning objective:
To choose words and sentences carefully for a desired effect (WAF5, WAF7)
Learning outcome:
To rewrite a short text to create a highly effective atmosphere
Success criteria: AF
Level 6 / All students can …
Level 7 / Most students can …
Level 8 / Some students can …
WAF5
Alternate between simple and complex sentences for purpose and effect
Deliberately design sentences for purpose and effect
Use a range of imaginative, flexible sentence structures for deliberate effect
WAF7
Mostly choose words carefully so that they are right for the desired effect, purpose and audience or reader
Consistently choose words that are just right for the reader and the desired effect
Carefully choose words to have just the right effect
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, 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.
For each phrase below, brainstorm ways to give the writing the scary atmosphere of gothic horror. Consider similes, metaphors and adjectival phrases, as well as the choice of vocabulary.
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.
A dark and deserted house
A tall, lean and murderous man
A dark, misty and silent wood
 A dusty and forgotten wooden box
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

4. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
For each phrase below, brainstorm ways to give the writing the scary atmosphere of gothic horror. Consider similes, metaphors and adjectival phrases, as well as the choice of vocabulary.
A dark and deserted house
A dark, misty and silent wood
A tall, lean and murderous man
 A dusty and forgotten wooden box
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 6 to 8, 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 6 to 8, Lesson 5

6. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
Activity 1: The words in the left-hand column of the table below are taken from the extract from The Woman in Black (Student’s Book, p. 30). What connotations do these words have for you? Complete the middle column with your ideas.
Activity 2: Once you have read the extract from The Woman in Black, complete the
right-hand column of the table below by describing the effect each word has on the reader.
WORD
CONNOTATIONS
EFFECT
struggled
Panic and suffering, someone trying to escape
This word is effective because …
decayed
morbid
satanic
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

7. WHY THE SENTENCE IS EFFECTIVE
Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
Activity 3: With a partner, choose three sentences that you find particularly effective in the extract from The Woman in Black and complete the table below.
SENTENCE
WHY THE SENTENCE IS EFFECTIVE
‘No names or dates were now decipherable, and the whole place had a decayed and abandoned air.’
This description of the burial ground emphasises the emptiness and loneliness of the place, adding a sense of eeriness and an expectation that something might happen.
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

8. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
Activity 1: Read the description below, then rewrite it to build up an atmosphere of gothic horror.
Choose words carefully to create a tense, frightening atmosphere.
Use a range of imaginative and flexible sentence structures for effect.
Add more detail to the passage to develop the scene.
The house was dark. As I approached, no one was around and I couldn’t hear many sounds. I wished I wasn’t on my own. The windows had dirty curtains and the glass was cracked in places. An owl flew through a hole in the top window and off into the night. I walked closer.
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5

9. Smart English: Gothic Horror – The figure in the graveyard
A heavy, smothering blanket of darkness had fallen around the house; I took a breath and felt the icy chill of the air in my lungs. The house was deserted and stood alone on the windswept hill, silent except for the shriek of an owl, echoing suddenly from the sky above. I was alone.
Aiming for Levels 6 to 8, Lesson 5