Friday 12th June
Can I identify emotions in writing?
Can I identify emotions in writing?
Adjective Phrases: An adjective phrase is a group of words that describe a noun or pronoun in a sentence:
Eg: The single light at the top of the house was illuminated by slowly moving grey mist.
Fear
A good writer shows feelings through “show not tell.”
Read through these examples of how a writer might show that a character is frightened / fearful.
Have you done any of these in a situation where you were frightened?
How do you show fear?
Can I identify emotions in writing?
A good writer shows emotions through ‘actions’ rather than using the emotional word.
Emotion | Actions |
Fear | Dry mouth, biting lip, wanting to run, gasping for air, cold sweat, talking non stop, dizziness, shivery skin, flinching at noises, shaking, shrill voice, stuttering voice. |
Shock or Surprise | Yelp, stiffening posture, sudden coldness, eyes water, hand against chest, hand against throat, shaky soft voice, grabbing someone for comfort, heavy feeling in the stomach, tingling skin, asking who, what, why questions. |
Curiosity | Straining to see, ears and head pointing to hear, shushing others to be quiet, wide eyes, slower breaths, lips parted slightly, gasp of wonder, small smile, soft voice |
Can I identify emotions in writing?
Independent Task:
Extension:
Continue the story . Write a paragraph or more about Laura entering the house. Show her emotions without telling.
Can I identify emotions in writing?
The Abandoned House
It was midnight. Laura placed an uncertain hand on the rusted gate latch and wrenched it upwards. She squinted her eyes to view the abandoned house from the safety of the entrance but struggled to see as dark clouds had muted the moon. The house looked down on her though; she could feel it. Her torchlight found the path and occasionally flashed to show black trees that quivered like her pale hands.
In the front garden, yellow light flooded from her torch to expose an imposing looking fountain smothered in years of moss. Overgrown rose bushes blocked the path painted thick with fallen petals. The hairs on the back of Laura’s neck began to stand on end, and her breathing became short and rapid. “What am I doing?” she mumbled to herself stopping dead in her tracks. Her feet were firmly rooted to the ground and didn’t want to listen when she encouraged them to move forward. “Stupid cowardly feet!” she cursed (as if they were not attached and controlled by her).
After several minutes of deep breathing and reassuring thoughts, Laura took baby steps towards the front door. Blood began to thump loudly in her ears as she looked at the wooden door with wide eyes. The door was slightly ajar.
Can I identify emotions in writing?