Using adjectives and semantic fields to plan and write descriptive paragraphs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a specific atmosphere by linking vocabulary choices and creating a semantic field.
Key learning points
- Descriptive writing is designed create a clear atmosphere for the reader and paint a picture of an image.
- Semantic fields can be used to create that picture for the reader.
- A semantic field is a group of words or expressions that are related in meaning.
- Choose your adjectives carefully in a descriptive paragraph in order to create a semantic field.
Keywords
Atmosphere - the feeling or sense evoked by the setting or environment.
Planning - the act of deciding how to do something.
Descriptive - describing something in an interesting and detailed way.
Semantic field - a group of words or expressions that are related in meaning.
Adjective - a word that describes or defines a noun.
Common misconception
You should always use the most impressive sounding words in your description.
While you should reach for ambitious words, you want to ensure that all the words you use are creating a consistent atmosphere.
Teacher tip
You could ask the students to experiment with swapping different adjectives in and out and seeing how it affects the atmosphere.
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.An adjective is .
Q2.Which of the following words is an adjective?
Q3.If you make a plan then you are .
Q4.A synonym is .
Q5.Which two of the following are a synonym of 'calm'?
Q6.Descriptive writing is designed to .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An atmosphere is .
Q2.A semantic field is .
Q3.If you are aiming to create a calm atmosphere, which of the following two words could you use?
Q4.In your single paragraph outline, what would you put in the first box?
Q5.Which of the following pair of adjectives create a consistent atmosphere?
Q6.Which of the following phrases creates a consistent atmosphere with 'the twisting branches grasped for me'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using adjectives and semantic fields to plan and write descriptive paragraphs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using adjectives and semantic fields to plan and write descriptive paragraphs, 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.
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