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

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a plan to write a setting and character description based on ‘The Highwayman’.

      Key learning points

      1. Apostrophes can be used to indicate plural and singular possession.
      2. Figurative language can be used to create atmosphere and imagery for the reader.
      3. Using a range of types of figurative language, as well as other linguistic devices, engages the reader.
      4. Using a range of different sentence types enhances text cohesion and reader engagement.
      5. Planning, drafting, editing and rewriting are all parts of the writing process.

      Keywords

      • Apostrophe for possession - a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another noun

      • 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 use apostrophes incorrectly when indicating possession.

      Supplement the content in Learning Cycle One with further teaching of the rules associated with using apostrophes for singular and plural possession.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to read their writing aloud to themselves or a partner to help them identify where their writing flows well and where it could be improved.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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 the sentence types to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:simple sentence,a sentence formed of one main clause
      Correct Answer:compound sentence,a sentence with two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction
      Correct Answer:complex sentence,a sentence with a main clause and any type of subordinate clause

      Q2.
      Match the terms to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:main clause,a group of words containing a verb that make complete sense
      Correct Answer:subordinate clause,a group of words containing a verb that does not make sense
      Correct Answer:clause,a group of words that contains a verb

      Q3.
      Select the subordinate clauses below:

      in the night sky
      Correct answer: tearing through the trees' branches
      a mysterious horseman rode across the desolate moor
      Correct answer: who held a silver pistol
      Correct answer: as the stars illuminated the night sky

      Q4.
      Match the adverbial types to their examples:

      Correct Answer:adverbial of time,during the night
      Correct Answer:adverbial of place,on the horizon
      Correct Answer:adverbial of manner,with a deafening howl

      Q5.
      Select the examples of figurative language.

      adverbial of time
      Correct answer: metaphor
      non-finite subordinate clause
      Correct answer: simile
      Correct answer: personification

      Q6.
      'The stars were diamonds scattered across the jewelled sky' is an example of which type of figurative language?

      Correct answer: metaphor
      simile
      personification

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the key words to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:singular possession,when something has one owner
      Correct Answer:plural possession,when something has more than one owner
      Correct Answer:figurative language,simile, metaphor and personification to create imagery
      Correct Answer:atmosphere,how a writer constructs writing to convey emotions and mood

      Q2.
      Select the plural nouns from the list.

      Correct answer: women
      woman
      Correct answer: children
      Correct answer: stars
      sky

      Q3.
      Select the correct use of apostrophes for singular possession:

      the Highwaymans' horse
      Correct answer: the Highwayman's horse
      Correct answer: the horse's tail
      the horses' tail

      Q4.
      Match the types of figurative language to their examples:

      Correct Answer:metaphor,the moon was a pearl shining in the black sky
      Correct Answer:simile,the moon was like a ghostly disc hanging in the midnight sky
      Correct Answer:personification,the moon danced behind the clouds

      Q5.
      Match the types of subordinate clause to their examples:

      Correct Answer:adverbial subordinate,whilst the clouds drifted across the sky
      Correct Answer:non-finite subordinate,bending against the wind's force
      Correct Answer:relative subordinate,which howled and whistled across the moor

      Q6.
      Order the stages of the writing process.

      1 - plan
      2 - draft
      3 - edit
      4 - re-write

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