Using description in functional writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a description to create interesting functional writing.
Key learning points
- Functional writing that makes use of description is often stronger.
- Anecdotes are brilliant for connecting to the reader through creating a shared experience.
- Before writing an anecdote, consider what you want your reader to feel - choose your language accordingly.
- A successful anecdote makes use of language to create vivid imagery for the reader, so they can share the experience.
- Figurative language can be very persuasive when used effectively.
Keywords
Anecdote - a short, personal story told to illustrate a point
Semantic field - a group of words with shared meaning
Figurative language - language that is meaningful, but not literally true
Contagious - easily-spread or transferred - usually used to describe illnesses or emotions
Common misconception
Students often do not use descriptions in functional writing frequently enough.
Descriptive language massively enhances functional writing. Anecdotes are a brilliant example of how descriptive writing can be used to connect to the reader/audience.
Teacher tip
To challenge pupils, get them to write their own anecdotes for the same prompt about horror films, instead of analysing the model anecdote in Task A.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the model answer used for this lesson. It's available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the correct definition for 'figurative language'?
Q2.Which of the following methods are figurative language methods?
Q3.Which of the the following are examples of figurative language?
Q4.If a writer uses an anecdote, what are they using?
Q5.Which of the following openings is anecdotal?
Q6.Match the rhetorical device to its definition.
short personal story
a question that doesn't need an answer
a type of repetition at the start of successive clauses
using words like 'we' to create a community
repeating a word
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. are short personal stories.
Q2.What is the effect of using an anecdote in functional writing?
Q3. language is a great way to create vivid imagery for the reader or audience in functional writing.
Q4.A strong anecdote should....
Q5.Which of the following is an example of a semantic field of restriction?
Q6.Which of the following use figurative language to persuade?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using description in functional writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using description in functional writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the A monster within: reading and writing Gothic fiction unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.