Year 11 - English
Emulating Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business'
Fiction: books that changed my world
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils read extracts from some impactful books to inpsire their own writing. Within each of the five extracts, they identify and analyse a key technique before emulating it in their own piece of writing. At the end of the unit, they craft the opening to an impactful narrative.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to emulate Chandler's use of similes.
Key Notes
- In order to emulate Chandler's use of similes, we might use an existing simile as a starting point.
- Then, we might use a synonym or antonym of the existing comparative word to create something unexpected.
- As well as the visual, we might think of the connotations of the comparative word to add layers of meaning.
- Moreover, we might consider adding extra detail to our comparative image to further add nuance.
Vocabulary To Learn
- cliché: a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
- evocative: bringing strong images, memories or feelings to mind
- suet: the hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep and other animals
- nuance: a very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound
- emphatic: expressing something forcibly and clearly
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That it's impossible to create imaginative similes.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
In order to emulate Chandler's use of similes, we might use an existing simile as a starting point. Then, we might use a synonym or antonym of the existing comparative word to create something unexpected.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'cliché'
a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: That it's impossible to create imaginative similes. Correction: While your mind will often go to common similes at first, you can consider how you can use synonyms/antonyms, sensory details, and extra detail in order to create imaginative similes.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'The Great Gatsby': analysing a writer's craft Study Guide
- 'The Great Gatsby': Developing a personal response Study Guide
- Analysing effective endings in Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' Study Guide
- Considering Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business' Study Guide
- Considering the use of dialogue in Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' Study Guide
- Considering the use of motifs in Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights' Study Guide
- Emulating Dostoevsky's use of dialogue in 'Crime and Punishment' Study Guide
- Emulating the opening to Orwell's '1984' Study Guide
- Emulating the use of motifs in Brontë's 'Wuthering Heights' Study Guide
- Exploring the importance of books and stories Study Guide
- Planning the opening to an impactful narrative Study Guide
- Reading the opening of Orwell's '1984' Study Guide
- Writing the opening to an impactful narrative Study Guide
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