An opulent place or item is costly and luxurious, in a boastful manner.

A dilapidated building is in a state of ruin because of neglect.

A semantic field is a group of words related in meaning.

When a society has inequality, there are unfair differences between groups of people.

If you juxtapose two things, you place them together for contrasting effect.

Describing a setting to reflect dystopian themes

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

Starting two sentences with the same word.

When a group of words are synonyms for each other.

Which words fit a semantic field of nature?

Opulent settings in dystopias most often reflect ...

Dilapidated settings in dystopias most often reflect ...

What theme does the juxtaposition of opulent and dilapidated settings suggest?

A clause that does not make sense on its own

The clause always at the end of a sentence

What is the purpose of the conjunction 'and'?

Match the punctuation type to the purpose.

Jemima's heart thumped as the door swung open.

Jemimas' heart thumped as the door swung open,

Jemimas heart thumped as the door swung open.

The three things they cared about were; warmth, comfort, freedom.

The clouds darkened; the rain fell incessantly.

The windows of the dilapidated house were shattered; in pieces.

The house was dilapidated: tattered blinds, flickering lights and peeling walls.

The house was dilapidated: tattered blinds; flickering lights; peeling walls.

The house was dilapidated; tattered blinds, flickering lights and peeling walls.

Which sentence punctuates the list correctly?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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

Describing a setting to reflect dystopian themes

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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