Using idioms in non-fiction writing
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Help students develop their knowledge of language use, specifically idioms, with this clear guide and accompanying activities. Empower students to build confidence in adding richness and variety to their writing.
What's included
Get everything you need to support students in their understanding of idioms, their definitions and use:
- Free printable PDF worksheet for students to expand their understanding of idioms and learn how to use them in their own written work.
- For subscribers only, an adaptable and customisable worksheet.
Using idioms in non-fiction writing resource
This resource is extremely useful in supporting students to expand and deepen their writing skills in preparation for GCSE English Language writing question responses. The top level of GCSE English Language writing question mark schemes often asks for responses to be 'convincing' and 'compelling' with 'ambitious vocabulary'. Becoming confident with the use of idioms and other relevant linguistic devices helps students to lend a complexity to their written work.
Idioms can also help students to create specific effects within their writing, such as an increase or decrease in tension, character development or plot advancement. Students who use language flexibly and with flair are more likely to write confident and inventive pieces.
Key features of this resource
This Using idioms in non-fiction writing resource contains a variety of activities based around idiom knowledge development. Firstly, students identify the meaning behind each one of a range of commonly-used idioms.
Students are then asked to complete sentences using a relevant idiom and create some sentences of their own. Finally, students get to write an article using appropriate idioms in the style of the writing question from GCSE English Language Paper 2, focusing on evolving a line of argument in response to a statement.
How to use this Using idioms in non-fiction writing resource
This resource is perfect for:
- Building understanding of idioms, their definitions and how to use them flexibly in writing
- Supporting variety and versatility in written work
- GCSE English Language assessment and exam preparation
- Reinforcing writing skills in revision sessions at KS4
Additional writing non-fiction resources
Browse additional resources in our KS4 writing section.
A sample extract from the resource:
- Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate idiom. There may be more than one idiom that works.
- They seem to believe they can put this off ………………….
- It is vital that, in order to deal with this quickly, we must ……………….
- Many people who are wrong are clearly ………………..
- Putting up with this is intolerable – why should we simply …………………. ?
- The mayor never seems to have a strong opinion – she just ……………….
- Like ……, it is incredibly difficult.
- When there seems to be no solution, people have to ………………..
- Even the best campaign group would give up and …………………..
- Hopefully this has given you ………………..
- Nothing is …………… There’s always a way to change things.
- Now create your own sentences for any of the idioms you haven’t yet used.
- ‘The younger generation complain about climate change but do very little to reduce their carbon footprint.’
Write a short article in which you explore this statement.
Use some of the idiomatic phrases from the grid.
