Starter quiz
- Which of the following is the correct definition for 'figurative language'?
- language that uses two or more similar sounds
- language that indicates time or place
- language that is meaningful but not literally true ✓
- language that sounds the noise it represents
- language that requires prior knowledge to understand
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- Which of the following methods are figurative language methods?
- rhetorical question
- zoomorphism ✓
- alliteration
- personification ✓
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- Which of the the following are examples of figurative language?
- My name is Eleanor - Eleanor Snow.
- She had ice cold blood running through her veins. ✓
- The house was enormous - too big if I was honest.
- The thunder rumbled and the lightning cracked like an immense whip. ✓
- I was sweating. My palms were wet and clammy.
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- If a writer uses an anecdote, what are they using?
- two or more words that begin with the same letter
- a question that doesn't require an answer
- a short, personal story ✓
- words that sound like the noise they represent
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- Which of the following openings is anecdotal?
- My name is Ella. I'm 25 years old.
- I've been a doctor all my life.
- Last year, I was on my way to work when.... ✓
- We've all watched the news, haven't we?
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- Match the rhetorical device to its definition.
- anecdote⇔short personal story ✓
- rhetorical question⇔a question that doesn't need an answer ✓
- anaphora⇔a type of repetition at the start of successive clauses ✓
- inclusive pronouns⇔using words like 'we' to create a community ✓
- repetition⇔repeating a word ✓
Exit quiz
- ______ are short personal stories.
- 'anecdotes' ✓
- What is the effect of using an anecdote in functional writing?
- they can illustrate your point in a different way ✓
- they can show your reader that you are a nice person
- they can help you establish a connection to your reader ✓
- the can stop your audience from heckling you during a speech
- they can make your work more interesting because they are not commonly used
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- ______ language is a great way to create vivid imagery for the reader or audience in functional writing.
- 'Figurative' ✓
- A strong anecdote should....
- only be told at the beginning of a piece of writing
- only be told once in a piece of writing - it cannot be referred to again
- use language methods to create vivid imagery for the reader ✓
- lead with emotions so that the reader/audience knows how to feel ✓
- be very matter-of-fact - you should not use figurative language or description
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- Which of the following is an example of a semantic field of restriction?
- stern ✓
- controlled ✓
- generous
- oppressive ✓
- disinterested
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- Which of the following use figurative language to persuade?
- Young people have no choice anymore.
- Young people's freedom is being taken away from them.
- Young people are being imprisoned by a dismal lack of choice. ✓
- Young people's futures lie in tatters on the floor. ✓
- Young people are not free to make their own decisions anymore.
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Functional writing that makes use of description is often stronger.
- Anecdotes are brilliant for connecting to the reader through creating a shared experience.
- Before writing an anecdote, consider what you want your reader to feel - choose your language accordingly.
- A successful anecdote makes use of language to create vivid imagery for the reader, so they can share the experience.
- Figurative language can be very persuasive when used effectively.
Common misconception
Students often do not use descriptions in functional writing frequently enough.
Descriptive language massively enhances functional writing. Anecdotes are a brilliant example of how descriptive writing can be used to connect to the reader/audience.
Keywords
Anecdote - a short, personal story told to illustrate a point
Semantic field - a group of words with shared meaning
Figurative language - language that is meaningful, but not literally true
Contagious - easily-spread or transferred - usually used to describe illnesses or emotions
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