Starter quiz
- What does the word 'unyielding' mean?
- untidy; disordered
- doesn't give in to pressure ✓
- a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
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- Which of the following is a good example of describing a character's personality through their actions?
- "She was very kind."
- "She helped an elderly neighbour carry groceries." ✓
- "She had kind eyes."
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- How can physical traits be used to enhance a character's personality when writing a description?
- by listing all their features one by one
- by using advanced vocabulary
- by linking their appearance to their emotions or traits ✓
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- If information is implied this means ...
- it's obviously stated.
- it's not obviously stated. ✓
- it contrasts other information.
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- What is a key benefit of using 'show not tell' in fiction writing?
- it provides methods directly to the reader
- it allows readers to draw their own conclusions ✓
- it makes the writing easier to understand
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- 'Show-not-tell' is a method which allows the reader to ______ information.
- 'infer' ✓
Exit quiz
- Match each key term to the correct definition.
- menacing⇔suggesting the presence of danger; threatening ✓
- unkempt⇔an untidy appearance ✓
- intent⇔what you are aiming to do ✓
- Which verb and adverb pair best describes a character moving suspiciously in a dark alleyway?
- walking determinedly
- stalking silently ✓
- running quickly
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- What does the verb 'creeping' imply about a character’s movement?
- moving in a carefree manner
- walking with confidence
- moving with caution ✓
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- Why is it important to choose precise verbs and adverbs in descriptive writing?
- to make the writing longer
- to create vivid and engaging imagery ✓
- to follow a specific format
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- Which verb best completes the following sentence: 'As she stepped onto the stage, she __________ across it with a graceful ease.'
- glided ✓
- strolled
- moved
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- Being clear what your ______ is before writing will help you make more effective word choices.
- 'intention' ✓
Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Careful selection of verbs and adverbs are key in description as they strongly impact meaning.
- Changing a verb or adverb in your creative writing can change the way the reader views a character.
- Using specific language can reveal a character’s intentions and emotions.
- Being clear what your intention is before writing will help you make more effective word choices.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a physical description of a character is enough to help the reader understand what the character's personality is like.
Though physical description is really useful, considering verb and adverb choices in particular allows the reader to really imagine a character. For example, how they walk, talk and behave around others are all telling of their character.
Keywords
Verb - a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence
Adverb - a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb or even a whole clause; often ends in '-ly'
Menacing - suggesting the presence of danger; threatening
Unkempt - an untidy appearance
Intent - what you are aiming to do
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