New
New
Year 4

Linguistic features of descriptive writing

I can identify and explain linguistic features of descriptive writing.

New
New
Year 4

Linguistic features of descriptive writing

I can identify and explain linguistic features of descriptive writing.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Descriptive writing uses figurative language to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind.
  2. Descriptive writing appeals to the reader's five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
  3. Descriptive writing uses precise and ambitious vocabulary.
  4. Simile and personification are types of figurative language.

Common misconception

Similes must compare two similar things.

While similes often compare two things with some shared characteristics, they can also highlight differences for emphasis or contrast.

Keywords

  • Descriptive language - language that creates a clear picture for the reader that is often found in fiction texts

  • Figurative language - the use of simile and personification to paint vivid pictures for the reader

  • Simile - a linguistic device that compares two things using 'like' or 'as', highlighting similarities to create vivid imagery

  • Personification - a linguistic device that gives human characteristics to non-human objects to create vivid imagery.

Use the corresponding 'Weather' lessons in 'Aspects of narrative' to more rigorously teach the meanings and precise usage of a wider variety of weather vocabulary.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Add the most appropriate adjective from the list below to complete this sentence: 'The __________ wizard cast a spell on the king.'
scruffy
Correct answer: magical
overgrown
roaring
Q2.
Match the correct form of the verb to each of the sentences.
Correct Answer:tries,Dad __________ to take an extra biscuit from the tin.

Dad __________ to take an extra biscuit from the tin.

Correct Answer:are,We __________ driving to Scotland this Saturday.

We __________ driving to Scotland this Saturday.

Correct Answer:crosses,John __________ the bridge to get to work.

John __________ the bridge to get to work.

Correct Answer:teaches,Carla __________ rock climbing at the sports centre.

Carla __________ rock climbing at the sports centre.

Q3.
What is the adverb in this sentence: 'Mr Smith's special chocolates mysteriously disappeared.'
Correct Answer: mysteriously
Q4.
Which adjectives best fit the gap in this sentence to make a noun phrase: 'Saira intends to buy __________ house .'
a pink, high-heeled
extremely loud
Correct answer: a red-brick, small
broken, cracked
Q5.
Which of these sentences contain adverbial phrases?
Correct answer: I like to play football at the weekends.
I eat apples and cheese.
I would choose chocolate over crisps.
Correct answer: My dad reads the newspaper very slowly.
Q6.
Complete the sentences by matching the first part of the sentence with the adverbial detail.
Correct Answer:She danced,around the room.

around the room.

Correct Answer:I whispered,extremely quietly.

extremely quietly.

Correct Answer:James got wet,whilst wading in the stream.

whilst wading in the stream.

6 Questions

Q1.
Which text type is descriptive writing typically found in?
newspaper reports
Correct answer: stories
explanations
non-chronological reports
Q2.
Which are examples of human senses?
hunger
Correct answer: sight
thirst
Correct answer: hearing
Correct answer: touch
Q3.
Which expanded noun phrases are best suited for a woodland scene?
shiny, sleek car on the track
Correct answer: rough, gnarled bark on ancient trees
delicious, steamy pudding from the oven
Correct answer: warm, radiant sun
Q4.
Match two unlike things to create the most appropriate similes.
Correct Answer:The leaves shimmered like,gold coins in the sunlight, creating a treasure trove.

gold coins in the sunlight, creating a treasure trove.

Correct Answer:The trees stood majestic like,ancient soldiers, guarding secrets of the woods.

ancient soldiers, guarding secrets of the woods.

Correct Answer:The air was as crisp as,a freshly picked apple, invigorating with each breath.

a freshly picked apple, invigorating with each breath.

Q5.
Which of the following is a correct simile?
The fallen leaves covered the ground like towering skyscrapers.
The fallen leaves covered the ground like a herd of galloping horses.
Correct answer: The fallen leaves covered the ground like a colourful tapestry.
The fallen leaves covered the ground like crashing waves.
Q6.
Which of the following sentences uses personification?
The leaves on the forest floor were like a quilted blanket.
The soft, mossy ground was wet with dew.
Correct answer: The soft forest floor welcomed each footstep with open arms.