Planning a description of a dystopian setting | English

Starter quiz

What would you *not* expect to see in a dystopian description?
- thriving nature and wildlife ✓
- dilapidated buildings
- suffering citizens
- toxic air / pollutants
What is a semantic field?
- a technique comparing two words using like or as
- a technique that says something is something that it is not literally
- a group of words related in meaning ✓
Which words fit the semantic field of decay?
- torn, cut, crease, paper
- ruin, stench, crumble ✓
- scowl, torment, unleash
Which tone would you *not* expect to see in a dystopia?
- oppressive
- enthusiastic ✓
- pessimistic
What do you need to link together to create a semantic field?
- punctuation
- sentence type
- vocabulary ✓
By linking lots of your vocabulary to pain, which tone are you creating?
- calm
- optimistic
- bleak ✓

What does erode mean?
- to spread through the air
- to visualise something clearly
- the small parts of something left when the majority has been destroyed
- to gradually be destroyed or worn away ✓
There should be minimal __________ in a description
- weather description
- object description
- action ✓
- sensory language
What should you plan first in a single paragraph outline?
- vocabulary
- tone ✓
- closing sentence
In the supporting detail section of your plan, you should make sure to plan __________ that matches your tone
- punctuation
- vocabulary ✓
- sentence types
Why is it important to plan the tone of your writing first?
- to establish a clear genre and set the scene effectively ✓
- it is the easiest thing to think of
- your writing won't make sense without planning the tone first
Order the planning process of a single paragraph outline from start to finish.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  Decide upon the tone of your writing and opening sentence
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  Plan three to four supporting ideas and vocabulary that matches the tone
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  Think of an appropriate order for your supporting ideas
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  Plan the closing sentence

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Descriptions should include minimal action.
An effective way to include character is with one small character action, for example, looking through a window.
It is important to decide your tone before you start writing, so that it remains consistent.
When planning a single paragraph, you should choose three-four details to focus on.
It is important to plan interesting vocabulary that matches your tone before you start writing.

Action is a key part of a description.

Explain to pupils that the purpose of a description is to focus on certain aspects of a scene in order to set the tone and genre.

Permeate - If something permeates the air, it spreads through it.
Vivid - If something is vivid, it allows you to visualise it clearly.
Erode - If something erodes, it is gradually destroyed or worn away at.
Remnants - The remnants of something are the small parts left when the majority of it has been destroyed.