Revising key strategies to write effective descriptions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can revise and apply skills for effective descriptive writing.
Key learning points
- Use a variety of strategies to vary how you start sentences.
- You can create sophisticated semantic fields based on abstract nouns.
- You can add emphasis, change pace or heighten emotion by using advanced punctuation.
Keywords
Semantic field - A group of words related in some way.
Abstract noun - A noun that refers to a thing that does not exist as a material object and can’t be perceived by the senses.
Present participle - A form of a verb that ends in '-ing' that can show continuous action.
Sophisticated - Well-thought out and developed. When applied to writing it means our writing is elevated in some way.
Adverb - A word that modifies a verb or adjective, usually ending in -ly.
Common misconception
All semantic fields are equal.
A semantic field based around an abstract noun (regret) is more sophisticated than one based around something simple (e.g. the rain).
Teacher tip
The lesson takes students on a journey of developing a story in response to an image (a storm). Instead of writing a new piece from scratch, you may wish to get students to revisit an existing piece (using the strategies in the lesson to improve it).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is being described here: 'A group of words related in some way.'
Q2.Which of the below are adverbs?
Q3.Who wrote 'The War of the Worlds'?
Q4.What is being described here: 'An active process that enables us to spot and correct errors in written work.'
Q5.What is being described here: 'a form of a verb that ends in -ing that can show continuous action.'
Q6.What is being described here: 'The mood or feeling of a piece of writing.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the below are abstract nouns?
Q2.Which of the below are adverbs?
Q3.Jun changed the opening to his story so it began: 'Running wildly, the residents of Greenford attempted to flee the tornado.' Which of the below does he use at the beginning?
Q4.Match the pieces of sophisticated punctuation to their purpose.
separates two linked clauses
introduces a list or explanation
represents a pause or something left unsaid
includes extra information in a sentence
Q5.What adjective is being described here: 'Well-thought-out and developed. When applied to writing it means our writing is elevated in some way.'
Q6.Andeep is writing a story about a storm. He wants to include a semantic field based on 'awe' in his writing. What words would be appropriate for this?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Revising key strategies to write effective descriptions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Revising key strategies to write effective descriptions, 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.