A mnemonic that should help develop discussion. I've found it helpful at all levels of ability. Normally I'll present the mnemonic, explore a sample scene (film or drama) using it, and then ask students to make points on another scene by themselves.
The scene has memorable DIALOGUE.
The characters say things that grab our attention.
There are interesting characters and RELATIONSHIPS. The scene shows us an important moment in the relationships between the characters and we learn a lot about them.
There is plenty of ACTION. Significant and important things happen. Some of the action happens unexpectedly, i.e. there is a sudden change of pace.
The MOOD changes suddenly. The atmosphere changes quickly. One minute things are light-hearted, the next they are serious.
A version of it was ADAPTED in an interesting way. When we saw it on stage or screen it was done in a way that we thought was very clever, unusual or remarkable.
There is plenty of TENSION and SUSPENSE. We’re anticipating or are anxious or excited at the direction the story is going.
An important IDEA is part of the action. The writer included this scene to teach us something about humans.
There’s a CLASH or CONFLICT in the scene. The scene shows a struggle between people or groups who want different things.
