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New
Year 10
Edexcel

Writing a description of a setting based on an image

I can write an effective description using precise sensory imagery, advanced punctuation and a variety of sentence structures.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Writing a description of a setting based on an image

I can write an effective description using precise sensory imagery, advanced punctuation and a variety of sentence structures.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. To plan a description of setting, consider using the five senses.
  2. Select precise verbs and nouns that help to create a semantic field or overall atmosphere.
  3. Use advanced punctuation and varied sentence structures to heighten emotion, add emphasis or change pace.
  4. Use precise sensory imagery to contribute to an overall atmosphere.

Common misconception

All sensory imagery is equally effective.

The best sensory imagery employs precise language to achieve specific atmospheres.

Keywords

  • Precise - Marked by accuracy of expression or detail.

  • Atmosphere - The mood or feeling of a piece of writing.

  • Sensory imagery - Descriptive writing that engages the reader’s five senses.

  • Sentence types - Categories of sentences dependent on number and placement of clauses.

  • Tension - A feeling of being on edge - as if something bad is going to happen.

The use of abstracts in sensory imagery are a great - and relatively quick - way to elevate student writing. Ask students to write abstract nouns in relation to smell/taste/sound (e.g. the sound of panic/the taste of regret).
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A series of words related in meaning is known as a...
Correct answer: semantic field.
metaphor.
poem.
rhetorical question.
Q2.
Jules Verne is a famous French writer, considered an early pioneer of science fiction. Which novel did he write?
Correct answer: 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'
'War of the Worlds'
'Frankenstein'
Correct answer: 'Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea'
Q3.
If a piece of writing makes reference to the five senses it can be described as imagery.
Correct Answer: sensory, Sensory
Q4.
What is the best definition of the word 'precise'?
Marked by vividness of expression or detail.
Correct answer: Marked by accuracy of expression or detail.
Marked by similarity of expression or detail.
Marked by impact of expression or detail.
Q5.
What is the best definition of the word atmosphere?
Correct answer: The mood or feeling of a piece of writing.
The beginning and end of a piece of writing.
The context of a piece of writing.
The characters and plot of a piece of writing.
Q6.
Which of the below are examples of discourse markers?
Correct answer: Finally
Correct answer: Additionally
Correct answer: Also
Because
They

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Atmosphere refers to the or feeling of a piece of writing.
Correct Answer: mood, Mood
Q2.
What is being described here - 'Descriptive writing that engages the reader’s five senses'?
Correct Answer: Sensory imagery, sensory imagery, sensory, Sensory, sensory imagery.
Q3.
Match these sentence types to their definitions.
Correct Answer:Short sentence,A sentence containing only a single clause.

A sentence containing only a single clause.

Correct Answer:Compound sentence,A sentence containing two independent clauses.

A sentence containing two independent clauses.

Correct Answer:Complex sentence, A combination of a main clause and a subordinate clause.

A combination of a main clause and a subordinate clause.

Correct Answer:Interrogative sentence,A sentence that asks a question.

A sentence that asks a question.

Correct Answer:Exclamative sentence,A sentence conveying strong emotion.

A sentence conveying strong emotion.

Correct Answer:Imperative sentence,A sentence that gives a direct command.

A sentence that gives a direct command.

Q4.
'The crunch of the gravel echoed loudly as the acrid smoke flooded my nose.' Which senses have been used in this sentence?
Correct answer: Sound
Taste
Correct answer: Smell
Touch
Sight
Q5.
Andeep wishes to use abstract nouns to elevate his sensory imagery. Andeep wrote 'Across the deserted city, the smell of was everywhere'. Which of the below would be abstract?
Correct answer: panic
Correct answer: regret
Correct answer: shame
smoke
acid
Q6.
'As long as you use sensory imagery - it is all equally effective.' Which of the below sets out best why this statement is incorrect?
You have to use all five senses for it to be truly effective.
Sensory imagery is great - but it must be accompanied by language devices too.
Correct answer: The best sensory imagery uses precise vocabulary to achieve specific effects.
Some senses are more effective than others.