Content in Continuous Writing – Part 2

content in continous writing feature
Before we get into the actual instructions, let us just elaborate about describing emotions.

We can write about emotions by using synonyms, similes, metaphors, characterisation and creating an appropriate setting.

Definition

A synonym is simply a word that has a similar meaning. For example, instead of writing that somebody is happy, we can describe the person as ‘joyous’.

A simile compares two things, usually using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. For example, to explain that someone is happy, we can say ‘her eyes twinkled like stars’ or ‘she’s as happy as a lark’.

A metaphor tries to compare two dissimilar things and suggests that they are similar. An example of sadness is ‘drowned in a sea of grief’.

Characterisation is using the character’s actions, thoughts or dialogue to show emotions. For example, instead of saying that the character is anxious, we can describe that ‘Peter paced up and down the room with a furrowed brow’.

We also use setting to set the mood and atmosphere of an essay. We can use the weather to show that the story is a light-hearted comedy of errors. We can write ‘The bright sun warmed me up as I enjoyed the sight of colourful butterflies dancing amongst a beautiful sea of flowers’.

While most of these strategies are suitable for Upper Primary students, the parents of Lower Primary students can complete the synonym and simile sections. They can challenge their children by working on the others. But that is optional.

Download: Emotional content for Continuous Writing

In our classes

In RG Channel, this is one of the tools we use to have our students generate their own templates for expression emotions:

  1. The templates are already divided into the six emotions and sub-divided into synonyms, similes, metaphors, characterisation and setting.
  2. For each sub-section, there is already a sample to be used as a guide and inspiration.
  3. Together with your child, you can research for more synonyms, similes, metaphors, etc.
  4. You can use a thesaurus as a starting point. You can also look at online thesaurus like thesaurus.com.
  5. Other ways of looking for inspiration will be from the internet, novels and even movies.
  6. Once you and your child are comfortable, challenge yourselves by creating unique similes, metaphors, characterisation and settings.

Remember, the trick to this is not the standard similes or metaphors, but creative ones you and your child come out with. Be creative and let your creativity be seen in your child’s essays.

If you are interested to find out more, do check out our courses on our website or get in touch with us to arrange a free trial class for your child. We hope to see you soon!