Descripitive Writing Skills for class 5 English

Concept : Similes in English Grammar

Similes in English grammar refer to phrases that make use of a comparison to describe. To make the writing exciting, use similes. In this chapter, students will know what is the meaning of simile and its usage with examples.

In this learning concept, students will learn:

• Features of simile.
• How to Write a Simile?
• Definition of simile with examples
• Exceptions to the rule of similes.

All the learning concepts covered for Class 5 have illustrations, mind maps, and examples. Students can check their understanding by solving the two printable PDF worksheets. The solutions to these correlative conjunctions exercises are also available in PDF format.

Definition:

• A simile is a figurative language used to compare one thing with another.
• The reason we use simile is to talk about one thing by contrasting it to another that has perhaps no relation with each other.
• We often use a simile for emphasis. We include a simile to make an explicit comparison and compose a vivid description without losing clarity.

Examples:

In this example, Rajat is being compared to a lion to put more emphasis on his personality trait. We are contrasting two different things that have no relation to indicate that Rajat is a very courageous person.

Let us study some of the chief features of simile:

• It is a wonderful tool that adds life to the thing that is compared and makes the description sound livelier.
• Simile uses words ‘like’ and ‘as’ to compare two different things that are not easily relatable.
• Similes help to create a bright picture of the subject to the reader by means of an apt comparison.
• It attracts the attention of the readers more effectively than the common narrative style.
• The comparison helps to describe the subject clearly and engage the mind of the reader in a better way.
• Simile can be used in different types of writing formats but it is most commonly used in poetry.
• Similes help to describe things that are sometimes difficult to be expressed in absence of an appropriate adjective.

How to Write a Simile?

We generally look for a simile when we think of alternative options for describing something other than conventional adjectives. In order to write a simile, we have write about a quality of thing that we want to describe.

Let us try this process with the help of an example:

Let’s read some common examples of simile:

• As big as an elephant
• As soft as velvet
• As black as coal
• As cunning as a fox
• As sharp as a razor
• As cool as ice
• As hot as hell
• As wise as an owl

Exception:

1. Sometimes a thing can be compared to more than one thing in different instances without losing the original significance.

Example:

In the above example to emphasize something with cooling effects on a body, it can be compared to either ice or cucumber. None of them are wrong.

2. Sometimes a simile cannot be written without ‘as’ or ‘like’ to compare between two different things.

Example:

My teacher is a volcano ready to explode.

Here the teacher’s rage is compared to the volcano’s explosion. This is an example of a simile.

Concept : Difference Between Simile and Metaphor

Metaphors and similes are figures of speech used to make a comparison between two concepts or things or people that are not similar. In this chapter students learn to identify the difference between simile and metaphor with examples. They will also come across the exceptions to the rule of metaphor and similes.

In this learning concept, students will learn:

• Definition of simile with examples.
• Metaphor definition and examples.
• Common similes list .
• Simile poem examples.
• Difference between simile and metaphor.
• How to use simile in a sentence?
• Metaphor meaning and examples.
• Usage of metaphor in sentence and metaphor examples sentences.

Every grammar concept covered in the website have illustrations, examples and fun diagrams or flow chadts for effective student understanding. After students learn how to write a biography, they can also access the two free PDF simile and metaphor worksheets given at the end of the page, to evaluate their understanding. These worksheets are available with their solutions in PDF format.

What is a Simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that is used for the comparison of two or more things. In a simile, two different things are compared using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Examples:

• The comparison is drawn between two things that are different in class. Such a type of comparison emphasizes the quality of the one that is being compared with the other.
• They are used as literary devices in prose and poetry to show vivid imagery .

What is a Metaphor?

Metaphor is also used for comparison but without the use of words ‘like’ or ‘as’. It is a direct comparison.

Examples:

“Life is a theatre, and we are all players.”
(Written by the famous playwright William Shakespeare).

In the above example, life and theatre or we and players are certainly not the same, but the direct comparison makes them appear similar.

• The way one thing is being addressed as the other may make somebody feel that literally, both are the same: however, that’s not true.

Difference between Simile and Metaphor

Let us have a look at the differences between the two figures of speech.

Let us have a look at some of the commonly used similes in English.

Usage of Simile in a Poem

How to Use Simile in a Sentence?

Similes can be used in stories, novels, fiction, poetry, and just about in anything. Let us see below examples of the usage of simile in a sentence.

Examples:

1. He is as sly as a fox.
2. On weekends I am as busy as a bee.

Common Examples of Metaphors

Let us have a look at some of the commonly used metaphors in English.

Usage of Metaphor in a Sentence

Let us have a look at how metaphors are used in a sentence.

Examples:

1. She is an open book.
2. He wears his heart on his sleeve.
3. Don’t build castles in the air.
4. He was a million miles away.
5. She has a heart of gold.
6. I am going to hit the sack.
7. She is a night owl.
8. Last night the wind was a howling wolf.

Exceptions

1. When things belong to the same class, then it is not a simile.

   Examples:

   Darjeeling is like Switzerland.

   Here both the places Darjeeling and Switzerland belong to the same class i.e. both are names of a places. The sentence is vague as it generally compares the two places without specifying a quality; therefore they can’t be compared with the help of a simile.

2. Using these literary devices too often can be disruptive and distractive. Use them when required. Avoid making the whole poem or a story into a simile or a metaphor. Instead, they should be used to explain the scene and develop it, not weaken it.

Concept: Using Adjectives and WH

What is Stretching a Sentence?

You have learned the basics of sentence structure. Now it’s time to add details to a sentence, also known as stretching sentences.

How to Stretch a Sentence?

Sentences can be stretched using adjectives and ‘WH’ words. Let us take a look at how to stretch a sentence below.

1. Describing the subject or the object using adjectives.
2. Giving more information about the subject or object.
3. Sharing information about the time and place.

How to Stretch a Sentence Using Adjectives?

• Adjectives or descriptive words add details to a sentence and make it easy for the reader to visualize the idea.
• When we add adjectives to stretch a sentence, it usually describes the subject or the object, that is, the nouns in the sentences. Adjectives are used to describe nouns or pronouns.

• First identify the noun in a sentence to be able to describe it using adjectives.

Examples:

How to Stretch a Sentence Using Wh- words?

Sentences can be stretched using Wh- words. These words are ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’ and ‘why’. Details pertaining to these questions can be added to a sentence and add more details.

Examples 1:

The cat sleeps at my home.

From the example sentence above, we know the subject is the cat and the verb is “sleeps,” but we are missing details that can provide a better understanding of the cat. These details could include:

Where was the cat?

When and where does it sleep?

Why does it sleep at home? These are questions that can elaborate ideas which could stretch a simple sentence into a detailed one.

Who? The street cat

Doing what? The street cat sleeps

When? Every night, the street cat sleeps on the rug.

Where?Every night, the street cat sleeps on the rug in the balcony at my home.

Why?Every night, the street cat sleeps on the rug in the balcony at my home as she is scared of snakes.

Examples 2:

Exceptions

Sometimes you can also stretch a sentence using ‘how long’ or ‘how far’.

Examples:

Upstretched sentence: I am staying here.

Stretched sentence: I am staying here for a week.

In the above, it is stretching by using the words ‘for a week’ while answering the question ‘how long’.

Common Mistakes:

a. Repetition of same words: Try to avoid repeating the same word more than twice on a page.

Examples:

Many people are leaving the village and the reason why they are leaving the village is that there are no jobs.

Many people are leaving the village because there are no jobs.

b. When you’re stretching a sentence, ensure not to overstuff it with adjectives or else the reader will get stuck in the details.

Concept : Sensory Words in Descriptive Writing

Describing how something smells, tastes, feels or sounds that description comes alive. Using sensory words is also a way to trigger a reader’s imagination. This arms the reader with information and creates a vivid picture in the mind of what is happening.

In this learning concept, students will learn:

• The importance of 5 senses in descriptive writing.
• Usage of sensory details in descriptive writing.
• Vivid examples of using sensory in a sentence.

Every concept for class 5 English students has been covered using examples, illustrations, and concept maps. Students can assess their related skills by solving the two printable descriptive writing worksheets given at the end of the page.

Download these worksheets and check your answers with the worksheet solutions provided in PDF format for the topic, and usage of sensory words in descriptive writing.

What is Descriptive Writing?

Descriptive writing is a literary tool in which the writer uses details to explain an incident or a picture that he or she has confronted with their words. It provides the readers with the description of people, places, things, and events in an effective way that can create a clear impression for the reader.

Why is the use of the five senses in descriptive writing important?

When a writer uses the five senses in his writing, the reader is able to visualize an unknown idea. This is better achieved with the use of sensory details that include seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting. This approach will help you to communicate clearly and thoughtfully with your readers and make your writing more engaging for them.

Let’s look at a few points about the use of the five senses can make your writing more interesting.

• It helps in immersing readers into the stories and the scenes.
• It establishes the connection between the subject and the reader on a deep psychological level.
• It is a very powerful way to involve the readers in the action and make them empathize with the characters.
• It is useful when you’re trying to convey unique imagery or something that’s altogether alien to the reader.

Now let us find more about how the five senses help in describing:

Before we discuss how useful the five senses are in descriptive writing let’s look at what the five sensory organs are:

1. Eyes
2. Ears
3. Touch
4. Nose
5. Taste buds

The Five Sensory Detail

The process of using the senses of sight, taste, touch, taste, and smell in our writing is to demonstrate realistic images in a reader’s mind.

A) Sight:

The most important of all senses is sight. What we see we should take note of appearance like colors, size, shape, etc. One needs to specify the details and use them properly to describe the topic. The unique and unusual things help in creating more impact while describing visuals.

B) Taste:

The taste is also an important detail that will give you an idea of how something tastes. We are familiar with the taste of fruits, vegetables, and spices but when it comes to a description, it is not easy. The taste too sometimes isn’t consistent or even it may not resemble any other thing.

C) Touch:

Often we don’t pay attention to how something feels by touch. When observed carefully, we analyze that every surface feels different at touch. Whether it is the petal of flowers or it is a concrete wall, or even if it is boiling water, we know the difference between texture and temperature.

D) Smell:

Another important sense is smell. There are people around whom we have been seeing since childhood, and we can easily recognize them by their smell. Even the rooms we stay in have their own smell, which characterizes the preference of the people living in them. Words relating to smell give you a better idea of the smell of the place.

For example, the smell of the wet earth when it has just rained.

E) Sound:

Last but not least is the sense of sound that makes us aware of the ambience around us, irrespective of whether the source of sound is an animate or inanimate object. For instance, the shouting of the vegetable vendors or the honking of vehicles tells us that a marketplace can be noisy.

Now let us observe how we describe something by our five senses.

Examples:

Food: Chili Fish Curry

SMELL:The characteristic smell of fried fish, the mouthwatering smell of tomato, onion, and capsicum together, and a bit of vinegar smell are also common.

TASTE:The taste will lean towards chilly and salty, reminding you of the main spices along with onion and garlic.

TOUCH: It can be very hot, soft, and oily to touch as well.

Common Mistake:

• Avoid using an excessive amount of details that include the five senses in your writing. Add a simple description and use an appropriate amount of sensory details so that they can supply enough information in your descriptive writing.
• All of the five senses need not be used at once.

 

Concept : Linkers in English

Linkers in English are phrases or words that connect your writing. It helps to form a rational relationship between paragraphs or ideas. They are usually placed at the middle or beginning of a sentence. In this chapter students will know linker definition, and its usage in the language.

In this learning concept, students will learn:

• Types of Linkers with examples for each type in sentences.
• Linking words list and linking phrases to use in descriptive writing with vivid examples.
• Common mistakes to keep in mind while using joining words in english.
• Exceptions to know while using linking words in English with examples.

Every concept for class 5 English students have been covered using examples, illustrations, and concept maps. Students can assess their related skills by solving the two printable linkers worksheet given at the end of the page. Download these linkers exercises with answers pdf and check your answers with the solutions provided.

Definition

• Linkers are words or phrases that connect words, phrases, sentences or ideas, or paragraphs. Linkers are also known as connectors or linking words. For instance, the three basic linkers in English are: and, because, and but.
• Linkers are usually placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
• They can be used to join 2 or more clauses or sentences.

Example:

In this example, we can see that the first idea, 'Cyclone was predicted', is the reason for the second idea, 'I stayed at home.' Or, 'I stayed at home' is a result of 'Cyclone was predicted.' Both these sentences can be connected through the usage of linkers: therefore or so to clarify the two ideas.

Example:

 Cyclone was predicted, so I stayed at home.
 Cyclone was predicted. Therefore, I stayed at home.

The order can be changed. We can place the result before the cause and use the linker ‘because’.

Example:

I stayed at home because a cyclone was predicted.

• Linkers perform different functions in a sentence. They are used to contrast, compare, define, illustrate, and summarize thoughts and develop clear paragraphs.

Types of Linkers

 

What Linking Words to Use in Descriptive Writing?

Take a look at the table below to understand the type of linkers and how they are used in descriptive writing. To write a good essay or a story you should use proper linkers in your paragraphs and sentences.

Common Mistakes

1. Linking words are not mandatory. Do not overuse them as it might confuse the reader.
2. Linking words like in particular, furthermore, moreover, and in addition must be used when you are giving more evidence for an argument that has been mentioned in a previous sentence. Avoid using it to indicate the introduction of a related idea in the text or paragraph.
3. Use a comma after using linking words at the beginning of a sentence.

   Example:

   However, I had different plans for that day.

4. When linking words are used to connect two clauses, a semi-colon is placed after the first clause.

   Example:

   I would love to join you all for the party; however, I am not free today.

5. Linkers is a broad term to describe words or phrases that link sentences or clauses. Conjunctions and connecting adverbs are two broad types of Linkers or connectives. Do not confuse the terms.

Exceptions

1. Not all linkers are placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence. Time linkers can be used to end the sentence also. Avoid using them in the middle of a sentence.

   Examples:

   Next week, my summer vacation will start. (This is not wrong)
    My summer vacation will start next week.(However, this sentence is more appropriate)

2. Do not use the last day when mentioning about the previous day. The word ‘yesterday’ is the apt word while refer to a previous day.

   Examples:

    I watched the newly released movie yesterday.
    I watched the newly released movie last day.

3. Do not use yesterday night. The appropriate time linker phrase is ‘last night’.

   Examples:

   I could not sleep properly last night.
   I could not sleep properly yesterday night.

Concept : Writing a Biography in English

Writing a biography helps to understand the changes in your own life and the experiences that have moulded you as a person. A biography helps us to understand the struggles of other people and their achievements. A biography involves all the details of a person by others. Students will know how to write a biography about someone and common mistakes that should be avoided while doing so

In this learning concept, students will learn:

• To write a biography from scratch.
• What is meant by biography?
• Features of biography with definition and examples.
• Points to follow while writing a biography.
• How to write a biography?

Every grammar concept covered in the website has illustrations, examples and fun diagrams or flow chadts for effective student understanding. After students learn how to write a biography, they can also access the two free biography worksheets pdf given at the end of the page to evaluate their understanding. These worksheets are available with their solutions in PDF format.

Definition:

• A biography entails the life and achievements of someone.
• It should have all relevant information about the person, like his/her name, residence, educational background, profession, activities, lifestyle, and other significant details.
• We can get to know the person’s physical attributes and about his work, and habits.
• It is always written by somebody who knows the person or researched/studied him in detail or takes into account the most relevant information about him.
• It also includes several statistical facts and certain areas of the life of the person.

Examples:

With the help of the given clues, write a bio sketch on Rabindranath Tagore in not more than 80-100 words:

Important Points to Remember While Writing a Biography

How to Write a Biography?

In order to write a good biography, there are a few points that you'll need to include about the person you are writing. Below are those points:

Common Mistakes

• Do not be in hurry while researching about the person. Research well before you start writing the biography. If you don’t do that you might end up giving wrong information.
• Always use the third person. Don’t use the first or second-person pronouns while writing a biography.

Examples:

 He could not continue his studies in law.
 You could not continue his studies in law.