Using vocabulary choices, similes, and metaphors to plan descriptive writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a plan for a piece of effective descriptive writing based on an image using vocabulary choices, similes and metaphors for effect.
Key learning points
- Planning before you write will support you to demonstrate skill in key areas and ensure your piece is cohesive.
- Supporting details describe the focus of each paragraph in more detail – using sensory detail (at least 3 senses).
- Similes and metaphors are effective in descriptive writing because they help the reader to picture the scene.
- Choose verbs or adjectives that work together to create an overall atmosphere.
Keywords
Plan - A set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something.
Atmosphere - The feeling or sense evoked by an environment or setting.
Descriptive - Describing something in an interesting and detailed way.
Evoke - To bring (a memory, feeling, image, etc.) into the mind.
Mood - The general feeling or atmosphere that a piece of writing creates within the reader.
Common misconception
That there is a set formula to follow when it comes to choosing what to focus on in an image.
When looking at an image for descriptive writing, you should think about what catches your eye and then focus on those elements.
Teacher tip
You could ask pupils to share their mind-maps around the image to show that everyone has different inspirations when it comes to descriptive writing.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an adjective?
Q2.What emotion does the adjective 'delightful' suggest?
Q3.What is a plan?
Q4.What is a simile?
Q5.Which of the following is a metaphor?
Q6.Writing that describes something in an interesting and detailed way is called writing.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the mood of a text?
Q2.What emotion does the adjective 'intimidating' create?
Q3.What is the atmosphere of a text?
Q4.To bring (a memory, feeling, image, etc.) into the mind is to something.
Q5.Starting with the first, place the steps to create a simile in chronological order.
Q6.Why might similes and metaphors be effective in descriptive writing?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using vocabulary choices, similes, and metaphors to plan descriptive writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using vocabulary choices, similes, and metaphors to plan descriptive 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 Step into the unknown: fiction reading and creative writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.