New
New
Year 7
Using similes to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions
I can identify how similes are used to create atmosphere in dystopian descriptions.
New
New
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
- Similes are a useful technique for creating atmosphere
- Excellent similes will uses carefully selected adjectives and noun phrases so comparisons are suitable
- Subordinate clauses can be used to add vivid detail to your similes
- 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.
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.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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
Q2.
Which sentence below is a simple sentence?
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?
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
Q5.
What is smog?
a dark cloud
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
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What does forlorn mean?
In ruin as a result of being damaged.
When things have gone wrong.
Q2.
Which sentence uses awry most successfully?
The buildings were awry.
The awry city seemed to gleam in the moonlight.
Q3.
Which of the below is an effective dystopian simile?
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.
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.
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...
nervous deer, constantly looking around them.
tired students, ready for sleep.