Emulating Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can emulate Chandler's use of similes.
Key learning points
- In order to emulate Chandler's use of similes, we might use an existing simile as a starting point.
- Then, we might use a synonym or antonym of the existing comparative word to create something unexpected.
- As well as the visual, we might think of the connotations of the comparative word to add layers of meaning.
- Moreover, we might consider adding extra detail to our comparative image to further add nuance.
Keywords
Cliché - a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought
Evocative - bringing strong images, memories or feelings to mind
Suet - the hard white fat on the kidneys and loins of cattle, sheep and other animals
Nuance - a very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound
Emphatic - expressing something forcibly and clearly
Common misconception
That it's impossible to create imaginative similes.
While your mind will often go to common similes at first, you can consider how you can use synonyms/antonyms, sensory details, and extra detail in order to create imaginative similes.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their justification of their similes so that other pupils can see their thought process.
Equipment
You will need access to the opening paragraph of Raymond Chandler's 'Trouble is My Business' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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.The purpose of using a simile in creative writing is to ...
Q3.Complete the following common simile: 'as warm as __________.'
Q4.'A large vault, typically an underground one, for burying the dead' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
Q5.'Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q6.'To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q2.Why might we want to avoid using clichés in our writing?
Q3.'Expressing something forcibly and clearly' is the definition of which word beginning with 'e'?
Q4.Helios is a Greek God of ...
Q5.'A very slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound' is the definition of which word beginning with 'n'?
Q6.Which of the following similes creates the impression of heat as destructive?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Emulating Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Emulating Chandler's use of similes in 'Trouble is My Business', 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: books that changed my world unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.