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Year 8

Using semantic fields to create an atmosphere

I can use semantic fields to create a restrictive atmosphere.

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New
New
Year 8

Using semantic fields to create an atmosphere

I can use semantic fields to create a restrictive atmosphere.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A semantic field is a set of words that are related in meaning.
  2. Semantic fields can challenge us to use more ambitious vocabulary.
  3. Semantic fields can help us to be less repetitive when selecting our vocabulary.
  4. It can be useful to plan your use of vocabulary (within the semantic field) before you begin writing.

Common misconception

Students do not recognise the value in using semantic fields - they think that semantic fields are just a method that they can spot in other writers' texts.

Using semantic fields can help us to include figurative language, such as extended metaphors. They are means of including other methods - they are not necessarily a stand-alone method.

Keywords

  • Semantic field - a group of words that all share similar meanings

  • Connotations - the associations we make with a word - what the word reminds us of

  • Vivid - producing strong, clear images in the mind

  • Oppressive - if something is oppressive, it makes people feel uncomfortable or it is cruel and unfair

It could be nice to get the students to complete Task B as a starter task at the beginning of the lesson, before they have been taught anything. They can then compare their responses from the beginning and the end of the lesson to see how much their vocabulary and artistic choices have improved.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
is the mood or feeling of a piece of writing.
Correct Answer: atmosphere
Q2.
Pathetic fallacy is...
when two or more words begin with the same letter
Correct answer: when the weather reflects the mood
when the writer begins each paragraph with the same phrase
when the word sounds like the noise it represents
when a comparison is made between two things that are similar, but not the same
Q3.
An extended metaphor is...
a comparison of two things are that not the same using 'like' or 'as'
a comparison of two things are that not the same
Correct answer: a comparison of two things that are not the same that runs throughout a text
a comparison of two different characters and their contrasting views
Q4.
Why is the moon often present in Gothic settings?
the moon is white, and white is a Gothic colour
the moon is the opposite to the sun, which makes it represent evil
Correct answer: it comes out at night, which is a dark time when mysterious things can happen
Correct answer: we often associate the moon with supernatural occurrences
Q5.
What does oppressive mean?
kind and benevolent
Correct answer: cruel and harsh
weak and mild
angry and spiteful
Q6.
Which of the following story openings creates the most ominous atmosphere?
Bright, white snow lined the roofs ahead...
Hard, bullet-like rain pelted the pavements...
Beaming, the sun smiled down on the village...
Correct answer: The thick, black night cloaked the ruins...
A light fog spread through the street...

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a semantic field?
a group of words that all begin with the same letter
Correct answer: a group of words that all share similar meaning
a group of synonyms
a group of words that all mean different things
Q2.
Which of the following words would you use to create a restrictive atmosphere?
expanding
golden
Correct answer: tight
quiet
vast
Q3.
A is the association we make with a word - what the word reminds us of.
Correct Answer: connotation
Q4.
Which of the following words has connotations of mystery?
neglected
Correct answer: concealed
relaxed
hugged
Q5.
Which word has the most aggressive connotations?
barked
Correct answer: snarled
shouted
ordered
commanded
Q6.
Which of the following descriptions creates the most vivid imagery?
dark brown branches sat, one on top of the other
there were branches everywhere, poking out
spiky branches poked through the gaps in the leaves
Correct answer: spiked, dagger-like branches pierced through any, and all space