Using vocabulary effectively in fiction writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can carefully select verbs and adverbs to describe a malevolent character.
Key learning points
- Careful selection of verbs and adverbs are key in description as they strongly impact meaning.
- Changing a verb or adverb in your creative writing can change the way the reader views a character.
- Using specific language can reveal a character’s intentions and emotions.
- Being clear what your intention is before writing will help you make more effective word choices.
Keywords
Verb - a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence
Adverb - a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb or even a whole clause; often ends in '-ly'
Menacing - suggesting the presence of danger; threatening
Unkempt - an untidy appearance
Intent - what you are aiming to do
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a physical description of a character is enough to help the reader understand what the character's personality is like.
Though physical description is really useful, considering verb and adverb choices in particular allows the reader to really imagine a character. For example, how they walk, talk and behave around others are all telling of their character.
Teacher tip
You may want to prepare some passages or examples which use excellent verb and adverb choices from texts your pupils have already read.
Equipment
You will need the extract from 'Oliver Twist' where Bill Sikes is first introduced. A thesaurus may also be helpful for this lesson, especially during LC2.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word 'unyielding' mean?
Q2.Which of the following is a good example of describing a character's personality through their actions?
Q3.How can physical traits be used to enhance a character's personality when writing a description?
Q4.If information is implied this means ...
Q5.What is a key benefit of using 'show not tell' in fiction writing?
Q6.'Show-not-tell' is a method which allows the reader to information.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each key term to the correct definition.
Q2.Which verb and adverb pair best describes a character moving suspiciously in a dark alleyway?
Q3.What does the verb 'creeping' imply about a character’s movement?
Q4.Why is it important to choose precise verbs and adverbs in descriptive writing?
Q5.Which verb best completes the following sentence: 'As she stepped onto the stage, she __________ across it with a graceful ease.'
Q6.Being clear what your is before writing will help you make more effective word choices.
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Using vocabulary effectively in fiction writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Using vocabulary effectively in fiction 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 Malevolent characters: fiction writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.