Unit 1: Dare to Scare

1.1 Horror motifs

1 Read the simple descriptions below and then rewrite them as if they come from a horror story.
You could use the following suggested vocabulary to help you.

Blood-sucking Fangs Vampire Trap Hidden Suffocating

Dark Forgotten Ghostly Isolated Unnerving Lunatics

Madness Death Decay Bones Threatening Rattle

a Bats are shy creatures, with soft fur, and most feed on insects or fruit.

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b A spider’s web is a delicate, beautiful structure.

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c The forest is a calm place where the light makes patterns through the trees.

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d The full moon is a time for falling in love.

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e A skeleton is the bone structure that supports the body.

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2 The web designer for a new ‘Tales of Terror’ website has asked you which of the five motifs
above (bats, spiders’ webs, a forest, a full moon, skeletons) you associate most with horror
stories. Rank them accordingly. Compare your ranking with a partner or group.

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Ignite English: Kerboodle LRA 3 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements © Oxford University Press 2014 1 of 2

 1.1 Horror motifs

3 Now design some ideas for a draft logo for the ‘Tales of Terror’ website – using the horror
motif which you think will have the most impact. Explain your reasons for choosing this motif
to the designer.

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Ignite English: Kerboodle LRA 3 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements © Oxford University Press 2014 2 of 2