New
New
Year 10
AQA

Using figurative language in non-fiction writing

I can show understanding of figurative language by exploring its effects and using it in my own writing.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Using figurative language in non-fiction writing

I can show understanding of figurative language by exploring its effects and using it in my own writing.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Figurative language sees writers use non-literal words and phrases to develop complex ideas about something, or someone.
  2. De Quincey uses figurative language in his autobiography to develop complex ideas about opium and the chemist.
  3. When writing figuratively, you should consider the ideas you are trying to convey and use words which develop this idea.

Common misconception

You can only use figurative language in fictional writing.

Non-fiction writers, just like fiction writers, are trying to create interesting, original and compelling ideas that their readers will remember, enjoy and learn from.

Keywords

  • Literal - factual, exact

  • Figurative language - non-literal words and phrases which develop a writer’s meaning

  • Celestial - belonging or relating to heaven

  • Manna - in the Bible, this was food that God provided to the Israelites to sustain them during 40 years in the wilderness

  • Ambrosia - food of the Greek and Roman gods

In order to understand the Learning Cycles in this lesson, pupils will need to have already read 'Thomas De Quincey's 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater'. Consider if you need to read and understand this extract with your pupils before embarking on the lesson.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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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6 Questions

Q1.
Match each term to its definition. (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Correct Answer:metaphor,making a direct comparison

making a direct comparison

Correct Answer:hyperbole,exaggeration

exaggeration

Correct Answer:imagery,phrases which create a vivid picture in your mind

phrases which create a vivid picture in your mind

Correct Answer:connotations,ideas that are suggested by a word or phrase

ideas that are suggested by a word or phrase

Q2.
Match each word to its definition. (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Correct Answer:chemist,a person who sells medicinal drugs in a shop

a person who sells medicinal drugs in a shop

Correct Answer:opium,an addictive drug

an addictive drug

Correct Answer:celestial,belonging or relating to heaven

belonging or relating to heaven

Correct Answer:manna,food God provided to Israelites in the wilderness

food God provided to Israelites in the wilderness

Correct Answer:ambrosia,food of the Greek and Roman gods

food of the Greek and Roman gods

Q3.
Which of these words are synonyms for the word literal? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
fictional
Correct answer: factual
figurative
Correct answer: exact
metaphorical
Q4.
Thomas De Quincey wrote 'Confessions of an English ' in 1821 (Non-fiction: crime and punishment).
Correct Answer: Opium-Eater, Opium Eater
Q5.
Thomas De Quincey 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' is an example of what type of text? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
biography
extract
fiction
novel
Correct answer: autobiography
Q6.
Starting with the first, put these ideas from Thomas De Quincey's 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' in chronological order. (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
1 - De Quincey says he didn't take opium for pleasure.
2 - De Quincey says he took opium to relieve his stomach "pain".
3 - De Quincey says he first took opium after waking up in terrible pain.
4 - De Quincey explains how a friend suggested he take opium.
5 - De Quincey says he first got the "celestial drug" from the chemist.

6 Questions

Q1.
language is non-literal words and phrases which develop a writer's meaning. (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Correct Answer: figurative
Q2.
Which of these words or phrases are antonyms for the word literal? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Correct answer: fictional
factual
Correct answer: figurative
exact
Correct answer: metaphorical
Q3.
Which of these sentences are examples of literal language? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
I am a regular opium-eater.
Correct answer: I experienced extreme hunger when young.
The pain attacked me.
Correct answer: I used to wash my face in cold water.
Q4.
Which of these techniques come under the term figurative language? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
statistics
Correct answer: metaphor
Correct answer: hyperbole
alliteration
adjectives
Q5.
Which of these sentences uses the word celestial, or its forms, correctly? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Correct answer: We sang a hymn to celestial beings in heaven.
She was a celestial, always doing the wrong thing.
Correct answer: She had a celestial smile and I felt awed by her power.
This meal was prepared celestially for you.
Q6.
Which sentence uses the word ambrosia correctly? (Non-fiction: crime and punishment)
Correct answer: After no breakfast, any lunch would have felt like ambrosia.
She saw an ambrosia on the table for lunch.
It was deliciously ambrosia.