Starter quiz
- A narrative is an example of which kind of writing?
- fiction ✓
- biography
- autobiography
- non-fiction
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- The difference between a narrative and a description is...
- a narrative can be written in first person whereas a description cannot
- a narrative is longer than a description
- a narrative has a plot whereas a description does not ✓
- a narrative contains characters whereas a description does not
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- Atmosphere is the tone or ______ of a setting.
- 'mood' ✓
- Choose the most appropriate response. Figurative language is...
- language that distorts reality
- language that is numerical in nature
- language that is meaningful, but not literally true ✓
- language that is literal
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- What is a semantic field?
- a group of words that all sound phonetically similar
- a group of images that all share similar themes
- a group of words that all share the same connotations ✓
- a group of words that all begin with the same letter
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- Which of the following are examples of figurative language?
- The sun, enslaved to the moon, receded. ✓
- Scars meandered down his face in rivers. ✓
- He bellowed at me, right in my face.
- The thunder roared above. ✓
- She was as timid as a person could be.
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Exit quiz
- Which of the following might you do to add flair to your description?
- create convincing character names
- strategically choose focal points in description ✓
- use the most sophisticated language possible
- manipulate your syntax for effect ✓
- use figurative language to create vivid imagery ✓
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- Which of the following are examples of figurative language?
- motif
- similes ✓
- personification ✓
- extended metaphors ✓
- alliteration
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Which of the following words is the most specific in describing this construction?- house
- building
- barn
- hut ✓
- mansion
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Choose the most specific word to describe the temperature of the setting.- mild
- freezing ✓
- chilly
- moderate
- cold
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- Which of these is a synoym for kingdom?
- place
- sentinel
- metropolis
- realm ✓
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Which of these sentences most vividly describes this scene?- The tree seemed to reach out across the green expanse.
- Reaching branches stretched towards all corners of the sunlit meadow. ✓
- Branches stretched out like long arms from all angles of the tree.
- Branches fired off from the centre-point of the tree towards the field's edge.
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Excellent descriptions and narratives will focus on describing details, rather than trying to write too much
- Figurative language should be used to create vivid images of what is being described
- Adding detailed description is often more valuable than plot points, in creating tension
- Using semantic fields and extended metaphors can add cohesion to creative writing
Common misconception
Students think that they need to describe everything in a setting.
Ask students to 'bounce' around a scene, only describing the most influential and important aspects of it.
Keywords
Syntax - Syntax is the grammatical structuring of words in a specific order to make a sentence.
Realm - A realm is a kingdom or empire.
Sentinel - A sentinel is a guard who keeps watch over something.
Stoic - Somebody stoic can endure pain or hardship without showing their true emotions.
Metropolis - A metropolis is a large or significant city.
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