Using complex sentences to describe dystopian settings

English

In 'Dystopian Settings', pupils use figurative language to create their own dystopian settings. In 'A Monster Within', pupils explore how authors use Gothic settings to create mystery and atmosphere. 

In 'The Twisted Tree', pupils explore Gothic imagery in a contemporary text. In 'Dystopian Settings', pupils use their own dark imagery to write their own descriptive pieces.

In this unit, pupils learn to write atmospheric dystopian settings. They first review and deepen their understanding of sentence types, before looking at how to use figurative language and sophisticated punctuation to enhance their descriptions. They finally plan and write a dystopian setting.

Dystopian settings: descriptive writing

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

A clause that does not make a sense on its own.

Something that joins two simple sentences together.

Two simple sentences joined by a conjunction.

A sentence with a main clause and subordinate clause.

A sentence with one subject and one verb.

Nature thrived until the elite took over.

Which of the following is a subordinate clause?

They trudged to their early shift with heavy hearts.

Due to the insatiable greed of the wealthy, the poor toiled in agony.

The poor toiled in agony and the wealthy indulged.

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

A sentence with a subordinate clause and main clause.

Two simple sentences joined with a conjunction.

Match the sentence types with their definition.

Delays telling us why her hands were trembling, builds suspense.

Tells us immediately why her hands were trembling, reduces suspense.

Delays telling us why her hands were trembling, reduces suspense.

'With trembling hands, she knocked on the door.' What is the effect of this sentence?

Fearfully, the citizens walked past the camera.

The citizens crept past the camera, so they were not caught.

Sadly, the old shacks were falling apart.

The windows of the shacks were smashed and their doors were loose at the hinges.

Because of the storm, the shacks were falling apart.

Which of the below is a compound sentence?

What is the purpose of the conjunction 'so'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Using complex sentences to describe dystopian settings

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.