Using shifts in focus and single paragraph outlines to plan descriptive writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use single paragraph outlines to plan a written response.
Key learning points
- Consider using paragraphs to zoom in and out of key details, in your description
- Imagery can be used to link your paragraphs, including semantic fields.
- A shift in tone at the end of your description can be used to leave the reader with a sense of foreboding
Keywords
Adorn - To adorn something means to make it more beautiful or attractive.
Hue - The hue of an object is its shade or colour.
Plush - Plush means luxurious and expensive. When applied to fabrics specifically, plush can also mean soft.
Lurid - If something is lurid, it is unpleasantly bright in colour.
Common misconception
Students think that the more items within a scene they can describe, the better the description.
Ask them to consider how they can create atmosphere by limiting their focus to 3-4 focal points in the setting and using figurative language
Teacher tip
After students have answered the questions based on the image in the first learning cycle, take feedback from students and share the best vocabulary and ideas, so that all students can use these for the task in learning cycle 2.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the model answer used for this lesson. You will find it in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Setting is the or surroundings where an event occurs.
Q2.An extended metaphor is...
Q3.What device is being used here: The room was bathed in sunlight. It was warm....almost too warm.
Q4.Put the order of components in a single paragraph outline in order from first to last.
Q5.Which of the following are synonyms for 'dirty?'
Q6.Select the most appropriate answers. How can you create cohesion in your writing?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To help you create a more vivid description, when first seeing the image you are describing, it can be useful to...
Q2.How many focal points within the setting should you ideally choose?
Q3.Which of these words relate to the colour of an object?
Q4.Which of the following are structural techniques you can use to give your writing flair?
Q5.What should you include in your supporting detail?
Q6.Choose the most appropriate response. Which structure might you use to reflect a character who is organised and particular about their routines?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using shifts in focus and single paragraph outlines to plan descriptive writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using shifts in focus and single paragraph outlines 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 4 English lessons from the Writing masters unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.