Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 7 - English

Using figurative language and structure to create an unsettling atmosphere

Step into the unknown: fiction reading and creative writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils develop their fiction reading and creative writing by reading extracts from famous fiction and then emulating key techniques in their own writing. They start by securing and extending their knowledge of key sentence grammar, before reading and emulating the extracts.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write an unsettling description using a wide range of language devices, as well as punctuation and sentence types chosen for effect.

Key Notes

  • To plan an effective description, you should establish a clear setting using precise imagery.
  • When describing show off your ability to use figurative language, varied sentences and punctuation for effect.
  • Make sure that your description is well-structured and has a clear sense of direction – a beginning, middle and end.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • sensory language: language that uses the five senses to evoke a mental image in the reader.
  • eerie: something strange and frightening.
  • atmosphere: the feeling or sense evoked by an environment or setting.
  • unsettling: something that causes worry or anxiety.
  • reflection: giving serious thought or consideration to something.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That you should use generic sensory language to create an effective description.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

To plan an effective description, you should establish a clear setting using precise imagery. When describing show off your ability to use figurative language, varied sentences and punctuation for effect.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'sensory language'

language that uses the five senses to evoke a mental image in the reader.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That you should use generic sensory language to create an effective description. Correction: You need to use sensory language tailored to the atmosphere that you want to create in order for it to be effective.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 7 English guide library.