Using figurative language and structure to create an unsettling atmosphere
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write an unsettling description using a wide range of language devices, as well as punctuation and sentence types chosen for effect.
Key learning points
- To plan an effective description, you should establish a clear setting using precise imagery.
- When describing show off your ability to use figurative language, varied sentences and punctuation for effect.
- Make sure that your description is well-structured and has a clear sense of direction – a beginning, middle and end.
Keywords
Sensory language - language that uses the five senses to evoke a mental image in the reader.
Eerie - something strange and frightening.
Atmosphere - the feeling or sense evoked by an environment or setting.
Unsettling - something that causes worry or anxiety.
Reflection - giving serious thought or consideration to something.
Common misconception
That you should use generic sensory language to create an effective description.
You need to use sensory language tailored to the atmosphere that you want to create in order for it to be effective.
Teacher tip
You could ask the students to reflect on their work as homework if they need more time devoted to planning.
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 atmosphere?
Q2.What kind of language is being described here: 'language that uses the five senses to evoke a mental image in the reader.'
Q3.What language device is being described here?: 'a direct comparison of two things using 'is' or 'was.
Q4.What is 'pathetic fallacy'?
Q5.What is a complex sentence?
Q6.What does it mean to reflect on your work?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word 'eerie' mean?
Q2.What device is being described here?: 'where you give human characteristics to nonhuman objects or things.'
Q3.Which punctuation types might help create an eerie or unsettling atmosphere?
Q4.Which of the following would you use to create an unsettling atmosphere?
Q5.Complete the sentence: 'make sure that your description is well with a beginning, middle and end.'
Q6.Starting with the first, put the structure of a description into chronological order.
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using figurative language and structure to create an unsettling atmosphere, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using figurative language and structure to create an unsettling 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 Step into the unknown: fiction reading and creative writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.