Effective sensory language using ‘The Execution of Lady Jane Grey’ as stimulus
I can employ the five senses in my descriptive writing to create a chosen effect.
Effective sensory language using ‘The Execution of Lady Jane Grey’ as stimulus
I can employ the five senses in my descriptive writing to create a chosen effect.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sensory language is writing that includes reference to some, or all, of the five senses.
- You don't need to write, 'They could see, feel, taste, touch, hear ...' when using sensory language.
- Instead, you can evoke the senses by starting with the noun you wish to describe.
- Adjectives should be chosen carefully so that they create particular effects.
Keywords
Sensory language - writing that includes reference to some, or all, of the five senses
Tender - caring, gentle
Stagnant - usually to describe water or air that smells bad because it is completely still and without movement
Suppress - of an emotion, to keep it hidden or bottled up
Common misconception
You should use an adjective to describe every noun.
Adjectives can help add interest and atmosphere to your writing. But not every noun needs an adjective. This can become overwhelming for the reader.
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Effective sensory language using ‘The Execution of Lady Jane Grey’ as stimulus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Effective sensory language using ‘The Execution of Lady Jane Grey’ as stimulus, 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 3 english lessons from the Myths, legends and stories that inspire unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
a naming word
a describing word
a doing or being word
a word you can use as a substitute for a noun
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The pale straw glimmered in the candlelight.
The gentle whimpering punctuated the silence in the room.
Her mouth was dry, with the occasional flavour of bile.
The soft satin scarf wrapped around her head was caressing and soft.
The stale air of the room penetrated her nostrils.