Planning a description of a dystopian setting
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan an effective description of a dystopian setting.
Key learning points
- Descriptions should include minimal action.
- An effective way to include character is with one small character action, for example, looking through a window.
- It is important to decide your tone before you start writing, so that it remains consistent.
- When planning a single paragraph, you should choose three-four details to focus on.
- It is important to plan interesting vocabulary that matches your tone before you start writing.
Keywords
Permeate - If something permeates the air, it spreads through it.
Vivid - If something is vivid, it allows you to visualise it clearly.
Erode - If something erodes, it is gradually destroyed or worn away at.
Remnants - The remnants of something are the small parts left when the majority of it has been destroyed.
Common misconception
Action is a key part of a description.
Explain to pupils that the purpose of a description is to focus on certain aspects of a scene in order to set the tone and genre.
Teacher tip
You may want to show students several openings to stories you have read together to demonstrate how a writer of any genre might 'set the scene'.
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.What would you not expect to see in a dystopian description?
Q2.What is a semantic field?
Q3.Which words fit the semantic field of decay?
Q4.Which tone would you not expect to see in a dystopia?
Q5.What do you need to link together to create a semantic field?
Q6.By linking lots of your vocabulary to pain, which tone are you creating?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does erode mean?
Q2.There should be minimal __________ in a description
Q3.What should you plan first in a single paragraph outline?
Q4.In the supporting detail section of your plan, you should make sure to plan __________ that matches your tone
Q5.Why is it important to plan the tone of your writing first?
Q6.Order the planning process of a single paragraph outline from start to finish.
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Planning a description of a dystopian setting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Planning a description of a dystopian setting, 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 Dystopian settings: descriptive writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.