Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify how similes are used to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions.
Key learning points
- Similes are a useful technique for creating atmosphere
- Excellent similes will uses carefully selected adjectives and noun phrases so comparisons are suitable
- Subordinate clauses can be used to add vivid detail to your similes
- When analysing a writer’s use of similes, zoom in on individual word choices and explain how they create atmosphere
Keywords
Labyrinth - A labyrinth is a maze that is incredibly difficult to escape.
Dilapidated - If a building is dilapidated it is in a state of despair and ruin.
Awry - If something has gone awry, something has gone wrong - it is not on its expected course.
Forlorn - Forlorn means pitifully sad and abandoned.
Common misconception
As long as a similes compare something similar it is effective.
Similes are much more powerful when used alongside vivid description. Work through example in learning cycle 1 to help unravel this.
Teacher tip
Prepare an example of a 'fine' simile your class may have used previously and model how this can be expanded, using noun phrases and subordinates, to become more vivid and sophisticated.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a complex sentence?
Q2.Which sentence below is a simple sentence?
Q3.Which sentence below is a compound sentence?
Q4.What is the purpose of the conjunction 'but'?
Q5.What is smog?
Q6.Which sentence below suggests a setting with an upbeat atmosphere?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does forlorn mean?
Q2.Which sentence uses awry most successfully?
Q3.Which of the below is an effective dystopian simile?
Q4.How could you analyse similes?
Q5.What is the most plausible effect of the word 'broken' in this simile? The decaying buildings looked like a row of broken teeth.
Q6.Finish the simile in order to create the most bleak and oppressive tone: the citizens trudged through the streets like...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions, 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.