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.
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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Figurative language sees writers use non-literal words and phrases to develop complex ideas about something, or someone.
- De Quincey uses figurative language in his autobiography to develop complex ideas about opium and the chemist.
- When writing figuratively, you should consider the ideas you are trying to convey and use words which develop this idea.
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
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.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Using figurative language in non-fiction writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Using figurative language in non-fiction writing, 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 4 english lessons from the Non-fiction: crime and punishment unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
making a direct comparison
exaggeration
phrases which create a vivid picture in your mind
ideas that are suggested by a word or phrase
a person who sells medicinal drugs in a shop
an addictive drug
belonging or relating to heaven
food God provided to Israelites in the wilderness
food of the Greek and Roman gods