Considering and emulating the use of similes in non-fiction writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and analyse the use of similes in a non-fiction text and then emulate the writer's craft.
Key learning points
- A simile might be useful in non-fiction writing to explain an idea to the reader.
- Reedy's use of similes highlights the level of scrutiny and unwanted attention she endures.
- To create a simile, we might start with deciding on what idea we want to communicate.
- Then we might decide on a comparative image which has connotations that match our idea.
- Finally, we might add extra details to enhance the reader’s understanding.
Keywords
Simile - a figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as'
Connotations - a feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning
Paparazzi - a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities to get photographs of them
Scrutiny - if a person or thing is under scrutiny, they are being studied or observed very carefully
Justification - the action of showing something to be right or reasonable
Common misconception
Figurative language such as similes belongs in fictional writing rather than non-fiction.
Non-fiction writing is all about informing, persuading or educating the reader and therefore similes can be a very useful device to explain ideas to the reader.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their initial discussions about Task B so that they can generate some ideas before they begin writing.
Equipment
You will need access to the article 'My Life as a Little Person' by Cara Reedy, published by CNN, 2014.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'A figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words 'like' or 'as'.' is the definition of a ...
Q2.Which of the following quotations contain a simile?
Q3.'A feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q4.Which of the following might we say are connotations of the word 'celebrity'?
Q5.'The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work' is the definition of which of the following?
Q6.A spectacle can mean which of the following things?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is being described here: 'the words, ideas, feelings or concepts we associate with a word or symbol.'?
Q2.'A person or thing being studied or observed very carefully' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
Q3.'The action of showing something to be right or reasonable' is the definition of which word beginning with 'j'?
Q4.Which of the following does Reedy compare her life to in 'My life as a little person'?
Q5.In 'My life as a little person', Reedy compares her life to a 'circus' - what does this suggest about how Reedy feels?
Q6.Starting with the first, put the steps to creating an effective simile in chronological order.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of similes in non-fiction writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Considering and emulating the use of similes in non-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 4 English lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.