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Year 7

Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions

I can identify how similes are used to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions.

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Year 7

Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions

I can identify how similes are used to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Similes are a useful technique for creating atmosphere
  2. Excellent similes will uses carefully selected adjectives and noun phrases so comparisons are suitable
  3. Subordinate clauses can be used to add vivid detail to your similes
  4. When analysing a writer’s use of similes, zoom in on individual word choices and explain how they create atmosphere

Keywords

  • Labyrinth - A labyrinth is a maze that is incredibly difficult to escape.

  • Dilapidated - If a building is dilapidated it is in a state of despair and ruin.

  • Awry - If something has gone awry, something has gone wrong - it is not on its expected course.

  • Forlorn - Forlorn means pitifully sad and abandoned.

Common misconception

As long as a similes compare something similar it is effective.

Similes are much more powerful when used alongside vivid description. Work through example in learning cycle 1 to help unravel this.


To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Prepare an example of a 'fine' simile your class may have used previously and model how this can be expanded, using noun phrases and subordinates, to become more vivid and sophisticated.
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Teacher tip
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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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Supervision

Adult supervision required

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a complex sentence?
A sentence with one subject and one verb
Two independent clauses linked together with a conjunction
Correct answer: A sentence with a subordinate clause and independent clause
Q2.
Which sentence below is a simple sentence?
Correct answer: She trudged home in the relentless rain.
Whilst it poured with rain, she trudged home.
The rain poured so she picked up her pace.
Q3.
Which sentence below is a compound sentence?
Correct answer: The rain poured so she picked up her pace.
Whilst it poured with rain, she trudged home.
She despised the rain.
Q4.
What is the purpose of the conjunction 'but'?
To express addition
To express negative addition
To express cause and effect
Correct answer: To express difference
Q5.
What is smog?
a dark cloud
Correct answer: fog made more intense by pollution
cold rain
Q6.
Which sentence below suggests a setting with an upbeat atmosphere?
The oppressive regime controlled citizens
The polluted skies mocked the citizens hope
Correct answer: The city's vibrant streets were bustling

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does forlorn mean?
In ruin as a result of being damaged.
Correct answer: Pitifully sad or lonely.
When things have gone wrong.
Q2.
Which sentence uses awry most successfully?
Correct answer: The cooking went awry when she realised she had forgotten an ingredient.
The buildings were awry.
The awry city seemed to gleam in the moonlight.
Q3.
Which of the below is an effective dystopian simile?
Correct answer: The decaying buildings looked like a row of broken teeth.
The old buildings looked like ancient artefacts.
The ruined buildings looked like the yellowing pages of an old book.
Q4.
How could you analyse similes?
Analyse the whole simile in one go.
Correct answer: Pick out and analyse specific words from the simile.
Analyse only one word from the simile.
Q5.
What is the most plausible effect of the word 'broken' in this simile? The decaying buildings looked like a row of broken teeth.
Correct answer: It gives us a sense that the place is desolate and in ruin; neglected.
It makes us feel scared.
It makes us feel that this is a place you would not like to live.
Q6.
Finish the simile in order to create the most bleak and oppressive tone: the citizens trudged through the streets like...
Correct answer: lethargic robots, numb to the harsh wind that chapped their skin.
nervous deer, constantly looking around them.
tired students, ready for sleep.