describes a place that is dark and often dirty.

a punctuation mark (:) that goes before a list or explanation.

a punctuation mark (;) that indicates a pause between two independent, but related clauses.

a punctuation mark (-) that interrupts a sentence to give extra information.

Using sophisticated punctuation 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

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

To separate two independent clauses that link together.

To emphasise some extra information in the middle of a sentence.

The society controlled in two ways and they were: propaganda, and surveillance.

The society controlled in two ways: propaganda and surveillance.

The society controlled in two ways: which were propaganda and surveillance.

John - a haggard man in his fifties - walked to work in the cold.

John - a haggard man - in his fifties walked to work in the cold.

John - a haggard man in his fifties walked to work in the cold.

The leaders had absolute control; they exercised their power everyday.

The leaders had absolute control they exercised their power; everyday.

The leaders; had absolute control they exercised their power everyday.

 'The leaders had absolute control they exercised their power everyday.' Where should the semicolon go in this sentence?

She finally deciphered the stench: decaying food.

She finally deciphered the stench which was: decaying food.

She finally deciphered: the stench decaying food.

Correct the use of colon in this sentence: 'She finally deciphered the stench of: decaying food.'

a clause that does not make sense on its own

the clause at the beginning of a sentence

What do you use to separate items in a list?

You will be punished if you break the rules.

Which sentence below is an interrogative sentence?

The penetrating eye on the billboard glared down at the citizens.

The beady eye on the billboard glanced down at the citizens.

The sharp eye on the billboard looked down at the citizens.

Which sentence describes a place with an oppressive atmosphere?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Exit Quiz