Year 11 - English
Using language techniques and precise vocabulary to write excellent descriptions
Writing masters
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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 refine proficiency and flair as writers. Across fiction and non-fiction writing forms, they develop techniques that give them greater depth and flair in their writing. At the end of the unit, they write a narrative informed by emotion-led plot and detailed descriptions.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to write an excellent description which meets the ambitious success criteria.
Key Notes
- Excellent descriptions and narratives will focus on describing details, rather than trying to write too much.
- Figurative language can be used to create vivid imagery.
- Using semantic fields as part of your description can help characterise the setting.
- Describing the features of something rather than its overall impression (showing not telling) makes description vivid.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Elfin: We would describe a small and delicate person, with a slightly mischievous look about them as elfin.
- Veneer: A veneer is a thin layer of more expensive material that is attached to a less expensive material to make it look more grand.
- Encroach: If a person intrudes on someone else's personal space, they are encroaching.
- Accumulate: If you accumulate evidence, you have gathered lots of it together.
- Obscure: If you obscure something from view, you make it difficult to see.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students often think that describing something's overall appearance makes a good description.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Excellent descriptions and narratives will focus on describing details, rather than trying to write too much. Figurative language can be used to create vivid imagery.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Elfin'
We would describe a small and delicate person, with a slightly mischievous look about them as elfin.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Students often think that describing something's overall appearance makes a good description. Correction: Description is about making your reader imagine what you are imagining. You have to give really specific details about a person or setting.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Considering openings, cohesion, and endings to structure an effective argument Study Guide
- Using description and figurative language to enhance narrative writing Study Guide
- Using emotion-led plot and detailed description to write an excellent narrative Study Guide
- Using figurative language, precise verbs and perspective to write with flair Study Guide
- Using language and tone to present opinions with flair Study Guide
- Using nominalised verbs and adjectives to write effective arguments Study Guide
- Using perspective, tone, and punctuation to craft a clear voice Study Guide
- Using shifts in focus and single paragraph outlines to plan descriptive writing Study Guide
- Using single paragraph outlines to plan an effective argument Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 English guide library.