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Lesson 11 of 16
  • Year 7

Using semantic fields to create a clear tone in dystopian writing

I can use a model description to inspire a clear tone in my writing.

Lesson 11 of 16
New
New
  • Year 7

Using semantic fields to create a clear tone in dystopian writing

I can use a model description to inspire a clear tone in my writing.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A semantic field is a group of words related in meaning
  2. Linking your adjectives and verbs to a specific idea can help you create a semantic field
  3. Different semantic fields reflect different tones
  4. You can use the semantic field of decay in to reflect a bleak tone typical of the dystopian genre

Keywords

  • Semantic field - A semantic field is a group of words related to each other in meaning.

  • Preyed - To be preyed upon is to be hunted or intimidated by a more powerful figure.

  • Callous - A callous action is insensitive and cruel towards others.

  • Oppressive - Oppressive treatment is harsh, cruel and domineering.

  • Rancid - Rancid food has an unpleasant taste or smell due to being rotten.

Common misconception

You can create tone via 1-3 words.

Show that tone is established through consistent effort and crafting throughout the writing process - every word is picked precisely.


To help you plan your year 7 English lesson on: Using semantic fields to create a clear tone in dystopian writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Show students a utopia extract and ask them to change the adjectives and verbs in order to alter the tone.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is tone?

The key theme of the writing
The level of sophistication of a piece of writing
Correct answer: The feeling or mood the writing provokes

Q2.
What tone might you see in a dystopian piece of writing?

happy
enthusiastic
calm
Correct answer: oppressive

Q3.
What is an adjective?

a person, place or thing
a word to describe an action
Correct answer: a word that describes a noun

Q4.
Which of the below is not a verb?

Correct answer: fearful
whispered
crept
trudged
obscured

Q5.
What does it mean to annotate a piece of writing?

Highlight key words
Correct answer: Label specific words or phrases with connotations
Write down definitions for key words

Q6.
Which words juxtapose each other?

Correct answer: indulge, starve
glisten, glimmer
eat, digest

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a semantic field?

A technique that compares two things using the words like or as
A technique that says an object is something that it is not
Correct answer: A group of words related in meaning

Q2.
'Grip, tackle, goal, score' all fit the semantic field of...

pain.
peace.
Correct answer: sport.

Q3.
Using words that link to the semantic field of sport may create a __________ tone.

sarcastic
depressing
Correct answer: playful
mysterious

Q4.
Using words that link to the semantic field of violence may create a __________ tone?

Correct answer: threatening
calm
uplifting

Q5.
Which word does not fit the semantic field of light?

twinkle
bulb
spark
beam
Correct answer: sturdy

Q6.
Match the words to the semantic field of love or hate

Correct Answer:hug,love

love

Correct Answer:scowl,hate

hate

Correct Answer:tender,love

love

Correct Answer:hostile,hate

hate

Correct Answer:devote,love

love

Correct Answer:unite,love

love