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Writing to describe

Lesson Plan

1. Starter: Descriptive techniques - Duration 5-10 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Recap on the purpose of writing to describe and review some descriptive techniques.
  • Explain that students will be preparing a diary entry based on a real journey to the South Pole by a Royal Navy (RN) officer; Lieutenant (Lt) Polly Hatchard.
  • Play the audio to introduce Polly Hatchard and her expedition.
  • Understand purpose of descriptive writing.
  • Understand needs of the audience when reading a descriptive piece.
  • Recap techniques available to achieve this purpose.
  • Slides
  • Audio: Expedition introduction
  • Paper / mini whiteboards

Teacher Notes: 1. Starter: Descriptive techniquesTeacher Notes: 1. Starter: Descriptive techniques

2. Describing the Antarctic - Duration 5-10 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Using Student Worksheet 1, which contains various texts from a variety of sources about Antarctica, students identify quotes which use descriptive techniques and the effect created in the heart and mind of the reader.
  • Feedback to class to identify predominant ideas and emotions created in the texts.
  • 30 second challenge: the class produces at least 12 evocative adjectives to describe the polar environment.
  • Practice scanning for appropriate textual evidence.
  • Practice explaining effect of particular descriptive devices.
  • Student Worksheet 1
  • Slides
  • Thesaurus / dictionary

Teacher Notes: 2. Describing the AntarcticTeacher Notes: 2. Describing the Antarctic

3. Sensations and reactions - Duration 10-15 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Review mark scheme for writing to describe.
  • Explain that a descriptive writing technique is to emphasise the sensory reality of the character and his/her reactions to that reality.
  • Students complete exercises and review audio-visual stimuli to produce details that describe Polly's physical and emotional reaction to the intense physical challenge.
  • Students record descriptive words on Student Worksheet 2 and then 'slam write' how the sensations could be described using the techniques previously identified.
  • Students should select key phrases and pick examples they could use in their final pieces.
  • Kinaesthetically and emotionally experience the reality they are seeking to describe.
  • Practice brainstorming imaginative answers to a given writing scenario.
  • Practice 'slam writing', producing text under timed conditions.
  • Practice employing descriptive devices to articulate a range of interesting details in order to create a certain effect in the heart and mind of the reader.
  • Slides
  • Student Worksheet 2
  • Audio: Challenges
  • Video: HMS Endurance in Antartica
  • Paper for slam writing
  • Thesaurus / dictionary
  • Materials / props: simulate a polar environment

Teacher Notes: 3. Sensations and reactionsTeacher Notes: 3. Sensations and reactions

4. Writing challenge - Duration 15-20 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Using Student Worksheet 3, students plan their written piece which completes Polly's diary entry for 'Day 31 on 31st December 2006'.
  • Students should use a wide range of details and techniques to create the required effect on the reader, emphasising Polly's physical and emotional state and her reactions to her environment.
  • Students plan their paragraphs using brainstorms, a timeline or a series of simple storyboards.
  • Practice creating appropriate imagery designed to create a specific reaction.
  • Practice structuring a piece of descriptive text in order to cover required content and leave the reader anxious to learn more.
  • Experiment with different planning techniques, both written and visual.
  • Student Worksheet 3
  • Thesaurus / dictionary

Teacher Notes: 4. Writing challengeTeacher Notes: 4. Writing challenge

5. Descriptive writing - Duration 20 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Write up of pieces of work under timed conditions.
  • Minimum of 200 words, maximum of 400.
  • Students should ensure that there is clear structure designed to achieve a desired effect and that a wide range of details/descriptive techniques are used.
  • Practice writing under timed conditions using information from prior planning and research.
  • n/a

Teacher Notes: 5. Descriptive writingTeacher Notes: 5. Descriptive writing

6. Peer assessment - Duration 5-10 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Explain marking approach using the mark scheme to assist.
  • Students swap work and grade their partner's work. Once complete, they should give three tips to their partner to help them improve their writing.
  • Finish the class by playing the Audio which is Polly talking about her feelings when she made it to the South Pole.
  • Develop understanding of the mark scheme for descriptive writing.
  • Practice evaluating another's work against that mark scheme.
  • Practice giving and receiving feedback in an appropriate, supportive and useful manner.
  • Mark schemes
  • Audio: Victory

Teacher Notes: 6. Peer assessmentTeacher Notes: 6. Peer assessment

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