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      Planning a setting and character description based on 'The Highwayman'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use my understanding of ‘The Highwayman’ to plan an atmospheric setting and character description.

      Key learning points

      1. Adverbials of time, place and manner explain to the reader when, where and how things happened.
      2. Figurative language can be used to create atmosphere and imagery for the reader.
      3. A complex sentence consists of at least one main clause and any type of subordinate clause.
      4. Using a range of sentence types enhances the flow of a text.

      Keywords

      • Adverbial detail - tells the reader when, where or how something happened

      • Complex sentence - a sentence formed of at least one main clause and any type of subordinate clause

      • Figurative language - the use of simile, metaphor and personification to create vivid imagery

      • Atmosphere - how a writer constructs their writing to convey emotions and mood to the reader

      Common misconception

      Pupils may find it difficult to recall, define and use different figurative language structures.

      Use Joseph Coelho's 'MORERAPS' poem to provide additional examples of effective figurative language.

      Teacher tip

      If pupils need additional support with complex sentences, use the Year 5 Grammar unit 'Five sentence types'.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each linguistic device to its definition.

      Correct Answer:metaphor,comparing two things by saying that one thing is another
      Correct Answer:simile,comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'
      Correct Answer:personification,giving human characteristics to non-human things
      Correct Answer:alliteration,many words beginning with the same letter
      Correct Answer:repetition,the repeating of key words and phrases

      Q2.
      Match each linguistic device to its example.

      Correct Answer:metaphor,the moon was a ghostly orb
      Correct Answer:simile,as fast as lightning
      Correct Answer:personification,the trees begged for mercy
      Correct Answer:alliteration,the slender, silver path
      Correct Answer:repetition,riding - riding - riding

      Q3.
      What is a verb?

      a person, place or thing
      a describing word
      Correct answer: a doing, being or having word

      Q4.
      A main clause is...

      a group of words without a verb.
      Correct answer: a group of words including a verb that makes sense on its own.
      a group of words including a verb that does not make sense on its own.

      Q5.
      A subordinate clause is...

      a group of words without a verb.
      a group of words including a verb that makes sense on its own.
      Correct answer: a group of words including a verb that does not make sense on its own.

      Q6.
      What is the setting of a text?

      the characters in the story
      who wrote the text
      Correct answer: where the story takes place

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the definition of a complex sentence.

      a sentence formed of one main clause
      a sentence formed of two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction
      Correct answer: a sentence formed of at least one main clause and any type of subordinate clause

      Q2.
      Match the types of complex sentences to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:adverbial complex,formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause
      Correct Answer:non-finite complex,formed of a main clause and a non-finite subordinate clause
      Correct Answer:relative complex,formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause

      Q3.
      'Charging across the desolate moor' is an example of which type of subordinate clause?

      adverbial subordinate
      Correct answer: non-finite subordinate
      relative subordinate

      Q4.
      'As the stars glimmered in the sky above' is an example of which type of subordinate clause?

      Correct answer: adverbial subordinate
      non-finite subordinate
      relative subordinate

      Q5.
      'Who wore a French-cocked hat' is an example of which type of subordinate clause?

      adverbial subordinate
      non-finite subordinate
      Correct answer: relative subordinate

      Q6.
      Match the adverbial types to their examples:

      Correct Answer:adverbial of time,in the dead of night
      Correct Answer:adverbial of place,behind the clouds
      Correct Answer:adverbial of manner,deafeningly

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Planning a setting and character description based on 'The Highwayman', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...