Using figurative language to create a gothic atmosphere
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use figurative language to establish a foreboding atmosphere in my Gothic writing.
Key learning points
- Figurative language is words or phrases that are meaningful, but not literally true.
- Figurative language can be used to create vivid imagery.
- When choosing an object for comparison, you need to consider the atmosphere you are trying to create.
- For Gothic descriptions, try to compare your setting to an object of fear or disgust so that you can unsettle the reader
- Always choose vocabulary that contributes to the atmosphere you are trying to create.
Keywords
Figurative language - words or language that are meaningful, but not literally true
Foreboding - a feeling that something bad will happen
Ethereal - extremely delicate and light in an otherworldly-way
Gnarled - knobbly, rough and twisted with age
Angular - having sharp angles or corners
Common misconception
Pupils do not understand that they have to think carefully about their use of figurative language and plan it before they begin writing.
Students need to consider carefully what kind of atmosphere they are trying to create. When comparing their setting to something else, the 'something else' needs to fit with the atmosphere they are aiming to create.
Teacher tip
Before the writing task in learning cycle 2, it might be nice to brainstorm ideas with the class, so that they have as many options to choose from as possible when they come to writing their ideas up in the task. Get students to justify their object of comparison.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a simile?
Q2.What is pathetic fallacy?
Q3.Which of the following is an example of onomatopoeia?
Q4.Which of the following is an example of zoomorphism?
Q5.What might 'angular' mean?
Q6.Starting with the first, put the following words in order from most loud to least loud.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is 'figurative language'?
Q2.Which of the following are figurative language methods?
Q3.What is a 'foreboding' atmosphere?
Q4.Why is using figurative language useful in descriptive writing?
Q5.Which of the following sentences uses the word 'gnarly' correctly?
Q6.Imagine you are writing a Gothic description of a lady's face. Which of the following animals might you compare her face to?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using figurative language to create a gothic atmosphere, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Using figurative language to create a gothic atmosphere, 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.