Starter quiz
- Which of the following are synonyms for cold?
- sweltering
- biting ✓
- frigid ✓
- stifling
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- 'A group of words or expressions that are related in meaning' is the definition of a ______.
- 'semantic field' ✓
- 'Relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice' is the definition of a ______.
- 'dystopian' ✓
- Orwell opens '1984' with the image of clocks striking ______.
- 'thirteen' ✓
- 'A feeling of being uncomfortable physically or mentally' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?
- 'discomfort' ✓
- To describe something as 'coarse' suggests which of the following?
- it is smooth
- it is rough ✓
- it is expensive
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Exit quiz
- 'Causing anxiety or uneasiness; disturbing' is the definition of which word beginning with 'u'?
- 'unsettling' ✓
- Why would the phrase 'sharp stab of agony' not emulate Orwell's opening of '1984'?
- it uses sibilance rather than plosive sounds
- it suggests pain rather than discomfort ✓
- it isn't realistic enough
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- 'To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
- 'emulate' ✓
- Which of the following words creates an unsettling atmosphere?
- balmy
- bleak ✓
- placid
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- Which of these quotations is the final progression of the idea of Winston being monitored in Orwell's '1984'?
- "It was the police patron, snooping into people’s windows"
- "they could plug into your wire whenever they wanted to" ✓
- "Big Brother is watching you"
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- Match the example from Orwell with the toolkit idea.
- "vile", "cold", "gritty"⇔semantic field of unpleasantness ✓
- "coarse soap", "blunt razor"⇔suggest feelings of discomfort to the reader ✓
- "follow" to "every movement scrutinised"⇔progress and build ideas to build discomfort ✓
Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- In order to emulate the opening of Orwell's '1984', you might start with a small detail that doesn't fit with reality.
- Using a semantic field of unpleasantness can create an unsettling atmosphere.
- You might create the sensation of physical discomfort.
- You might progress ideas so that the level of discomfort builds in the reader.
- Releasing details about a dystopia slowly can build an unsettling sensation.
Common misconception
Starting with a vivid description of the character's pain is a great way to hook a reader.
While beginning with a vivid description of pain can add an element of shock, it often doesn't leave the reader anywhere to go emotionally. It might be more effective to leave vivid descriptions of pain for the climax of a text.
Keywords
Emulate - match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation
Unsettling - causing anxiety or uneasiness; disturbing
Dystopian - relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
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