Using semantic fields in a piece of creative writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use semantic fields effectively in my creative writing.
Key learning points
- A semantic field is a group of words related in some way. They can be related by meaning or in a more abstract way.
- Writers deliberately use semantic fields to develop their characters in certain ways.
- Writers deliberately use semantic fields to keep an idea present in a reader’s head.
- Effective semantic fields will include a variety of word types including: nouns, adjectives and verbs.
Keywords
Semantic field - A group of words related in some way.
Nuance - A subtle difference in meaning.
Characterisation - The process of creating a fictional character.
Villainous - Wicked or immoral behaviour typical of a villain.
Science fiction - Fiction based on imagined scientific or technological advances or major social or environmental changes.
Common misconception
As long as the words are related in some way it is an effective semantic field.
The best semantic fields vary their word types, including verbs, adjectives and nouns that are related in some way.
Teacher tip
Shakespearean soliloquys often use semantic fields effectively in nuanced ways. Consider using text from a play you have studied with your class recently to bring out further the concept of a semantic field.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If something is clear and intelligible then it has ...
Q2.What can an ellipsis at the end of a sentence suggest?
Q3.An exclamation mark does which of the following?
Q4.Complete this definition of science fiction: 'Fiction based on imagined scientific or technological advances or major social or changes.
Q5.Which of the below is the best definition of 'villainous'?
Q6.Which of the below is the best definition of 'nuance'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a semantic field?
Q2.Which of the below words could be part of a semantic field of weather?
Q3.What is the process of creating a fictional character called?
Q4.Which of the below would be a valid reason as to why a writer would use a semantic field?
Q5.The best semantic fields contain a mixture of nouns, verbs and .
Q6.If introducing a villain, an effective semantic field that accompanies them would be ...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using semantic fields in a piece of creative writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using semantic fields in a piece of creative 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 4 English lessons from the Fiction: science fiction writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.