Starter quiz
- An adjective is ...
- a word that shows action or state of being.
- a word that takes the place of a noun.
- a word used to connect clauses or sentences.
- a word that describes, modifies or gives more information about a noun. ✓
- a word that expresses a strong emotion or exclamation.
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- What is a verb?
- a word used to describe a noun or pronoun
- a word that expresses action, occurrence, or a state of being ✓
- a word used to connect clauses or sentences
- a word that replaces a noun
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- What is dialogue?
- dialogue is a literary device used to describe the setting or environment
- dialogue is the use of symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings
- dialogue is the structure of the plot in a narrative or play
- a written or spoken conversational exchange between characters ✓
- dialogue is a detailed description of a character's appearance
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- What are the typical characteristics of a malevolent character?
- they are sympathetic
- they mean to do harm to others ✓
- they are often deceptive ✓
- they are welcoming
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- A way in which something is usually done or a key feature is known as a ...
- 'convention' ✓
- If you read a physical description of a character this means ...
- their appearance is being described. ✓
- their personality is being described.
- their relationship with others is being described.
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Exit quiz
- Match the keyword to its definition:
- inference⇔a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ✓
- show not tell⇔a method which focuses on allowing your reader to infer information ✓
- implied⇔suggested but not directly expressed ✓
- Which of the following is an example of 'show not tell'?
- 'He was very angry.'
- 'His face turned red, and he clenched his fists.' ✓
- 'He felt mad about what happened.'
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- What should you avoid when describing a character's appearance?
- linking physical traits to emotions
- using subtle hints
- listing every feature of the character ✓
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- How can a character's physical description reflect their emotions?
- by describing their clothes
- by describing their surroundings
- by showing changes in their facial expressions or actions ✓
- by telling the reader directly
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- Which description best shows a character's frustration?
- 'He sighed and slumped his shoulders, his brows knitted together.' ✓
- 'He was very frustrated.'
- 'He kicked a stone angrily, muttering under his breath.'
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- Why is 'show not tell' effective in character descriptions?
- it makes the text longer
- it provides more detailed background information
- it engages readers and allows them to infer meaning ✓
- it makes the character more mysterious
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Physical descriptions of characters shouldn't just be a list of what they look like or the clothes they are wearing.
- Physical descriptions of characters should use carefully chosen vocabulary to allow the reader to infer information.
- Linking physical description to a character's personality can make descriptions more effective.
- ‘Show not tell’ works on implied meanings.
Common misconception
Pupils will sometimes overload the physical description of their character and list each individual detail, often using cliches.
Describing every part of a character’s appearance in detail can overwhelm the reader. It's better to provide purposeful descriptions that integrate physical appearance with personality to create an engaging and convincing character.
Keywords
Inference - a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Show not tell - a method used by writers which focuses on allowing your reader to infer information instead of simply telling them directly.
Unyielding - doesn't give in to pressure.
Dishevelled - untidy; disordered.
Implied - suggested but not directly expressed.
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