A labyrinth is a maze that is incredibly difficult to escape.

If a building is dilapidated it is in a state of despair and ruin.

If something has gone awry, something has gone wrong - it is not on its expected course.

Forlorn means pitifully sad and abandoned.

Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions

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

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

The cooking went awry when she realised she had forgotten an ingredient.

The awry city seemed to gleam in the moonlight.

Which sentence uses awry most successfully?

The decaying buildings looked like a row of broken teeth.

The old buildings looked like ancient artefacts.

The ruined buildings looked like the yellowing pages of an old book.

Which of the below is an effective dystopian simile?

Pick out and analyse specific words from the simile.

It gives us a sense that the place is desolate and in ruin; neglected.

It makes us feel that this is a place you would not like to live.

What is the most plausible effect of the word 'broken' in this simile? The decaying buildings looked like a row of broken teeth.

lethargic robots, numb to the harsh wind that chapped their skin.

nervous deer, constantly looking around them.

Finish the simile in order to create the most bleak and oppressive tone: the citizens trudged through the streets like...

Two independent clauses linked together with a conjunction

A sentence with a subordinate clause and independent clause 

Whilst it poured with rain, she trudged home.

The rain poured so she picked up her pace.

Which sentence below is a simple sentence?

Which sentence below is a compound sentence?

What is the purpose of the conjunction 'but'?

The oppressive regime controlled citizens

The polluted skies mocked the citizens hope

The city's vibrant streets were bustling 

Which sentence below suggests a setting with an upbeat atmosphere?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

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

Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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