Year 7 - English
Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions
Dystopian settings: descriptive writing
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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 learn to write atmospheric dystopian settings. They first review and deepen their understanding of sentence types, before looking at how to use figurative language and sophisticated punctuation to enhance their descriptions. They finally plan and write a dystopian setting.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify how similes are used to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions.
Key Notes
- Similes are a useful technique for creating atmosphere
- Excellent similes will uses carefully selected adjectives and noun phrases so comparisons are suitable
- Subordinate clauses can be used to add vivid detail to your similes
- When analysing a writer's use of similes, zoom in on individual word choices and explain how they create atmosphere
Vocabulary To Learn
- Labyrinth: A labyrinth is a maze that is incredibly difficult to escape.
- Dilapidated: If a building is dilapidated it is in a state of despair and ruin.
- Awry: If something has gone awry, something has gone wrong - it is not on its expected course.
- Forlorn: Forlorn means pitifully sad and abandoned.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- As long as a similes compare something similar it is effective.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Similes are a useful technique for creating atmosphere. Excellent similes will uses carefully selected adjectives and noun phrases so comparisons are suitable.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Labyrinth'
A labyrinth is a maze that is incredibly difficult to escape.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: As long as a similes compare something similar it is effective. Correction: Similes are much more powerful when used alongside vivid description. Work through example in learning cycle 1 to help unravel this.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Creating atmosphere in dystopian descriptions Study Guide
- Describing a setting to reflect dystopian themes Study Guide
- Planning a description of a dystopian setting Study Guide
- Revising sentence and punctuation types for a dystopian description Study Guide
- Understanding dystopias Study Guide
- Using a range of sentence types to describe dystopian settings Study Guide
- Using accurate sentences to describe dystopian settings Study Guide
- Using complex sentences to describe dystopian settings Study Guide
- Using compound sentences to describe dystopian settings Study Guide
- Using feedback to improve dystopian descriptions Study Guide
- Using punctuation accurately in dystopian descriptions Study Guide
- Using semantic fields to create a clear tone in dystopian writing Study Guide
- Using sophisticated punctuation in dystopian descriptions Study Guide
- Using vivid imagery to describe dystopian settings Study Guide
- Writing a description of a dystopian setting Study Guide
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