New
New
Year 7
Using adjectives and semantic fields to plan and write descriptive paragraphs
I can create a specific atmosphere by linking vocabulary choices and creating a semantic field.
New
New
Year 7
Using adjectives and semantic fields to plan and write descriptive paragraphs
I can create a specific atmosphere by linking vocabulary choices and creating a semantic field.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Descriptive writing is designed create a clear atmosphere for the reader and paint a picture of an image.
- Semantic fields can be used to create that picture for the reader.
- A semantic field is a group of words or expressions that are related in meaning.
- Choose your adjectives carefully in a descriptive paragraph in order to create a semantic field.
Keywords
Atmosphere - the feeling or sense evoked by the setting or environment.
Planning - the act of deciding how to do something.
Descriptive - describing something in an interesting and detailed way.
Semantic field - a group of words or expressions that are related in meaning.
Adjective - a word that describes or defines a noun.
Common misconception
You should always use the most impressive sounding words in your description.
While you should reach for ambitious words, you want to ensure that all the words you use are creating a consistent atmosphere.
You could ask the students to experiment with swapping different adjectives in and out and seeing how it affects the atmosphere.
Teacher tip
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.
An adjective is .
a place, person or thing performing the action
a being, doing or having word
Q2.
Which of the following words is an adjective?
building
stroll
Q3.
If you make a plan then you are .
writing your answer
editing and improving your answer
Q4.
A synonym is .
when you repeat the same word
a word with the opposite meaning
Q5.
Which two of the following are a synonym of 'calm'?
discordant
chaotic
Q6.
Descriptive writing is designed to .
shock the reader
make the reader feel sympathy for a character
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
An atmosphere is .
where objects are given human characteristics
where the meaning of the line continues over onto the next
Q2.
A semantic field is .
a group of words that are not related in meaning
a group of repeated words
Q3.
If you are aiming to create a calm atmosphere, which of the following two words could you use?
cacophonous
tumultuous
Q4.
In your single paragraph outline, what would you put in the first box?
the concluding ideas for the paragraph
notes on the details for the paragraph
Q5.
Which of the following pair of adjectives create a consistent atmosphere?
tense, serene
chaotic, serene
Q6.
Which of the following phrases creates a consistent atmosphere with 'the twisting branches grasped for me'?
'with smooth hands'
'with dainty fingers'