Fantasy Language Workshop

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Part 1: Discover the Techniques

Simile: compares two things using like or as. Example: “The dragon’s wings beat like thunder.”

Metaphor: says one thing is another to create a strong image. Example: “The dragon was a storm with claws.”

Onomatopoeia: a word that imitates or suggests a sound. Example: “Crash! The tower shook.”

Imagery: carefully chosen sensory language that helps readers picture, hear, smell, taste or feel a scene. Example: “Cold mist curled around the cracked stones.”

1. Match each technique to its definition.

A. Simile

B. Metaphor

C. Onomatopoeia

D. Imagery

___ Sensory details that build a picture, sound or feeling

___ A comparison using like or as

___ A sound word, such as crash or hiss

___ A direct comparison that says one thing is another

2. Identify the technique used in each sentence: simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia or imagery.

a) “The castle stood like a broken tooth.” ____________________

b) “Hiss! The dragon’s breath filled the hall.” ____________________

c) “The doorway was a mouth waiting to swallow them.” ____________________

d) “Damp stone chilled her fingers as silver webs brushed her face.” ____________________

Part 2: Practise and Create

3. Improve these plain fantasy sentences. Add precise language so the reader can see, hear or feel the moment.

a) The dragon entered the castle.

b) The door opened.

c) The knight was scared.

Choose your pathway

Developing: Build your scene. Complete the frames, then combine your ideas into a short paragraph about a dragon entering an abandoned castle.

• The dragon moved like ________________________________.

• The castle was a ________________________________.

• ____________________! The ____________________ shook.

• I could see ____________________, hear ____________________ and feel ____________________.

Sensory word bank: icy, smoky, sharp, damp, echoing, cracked, silent, glowing, thunderous, dusty, rotten, trembling

Consolidating: Explain and develop. Write an 80–100-word paragraph about a dragon entering an abandoned castle. Use at least three techniques.

Before you write, choose one goal: create danger, create mystery or create awe.

Explain two choices: Which technique did you use? What should the reader see, hear or feel? Why is it effective?

Proficient: Control the mood. Write a 100-word fantasy scene about a dragon entering an abandoned castle. Use all four techniques naturally. Begin with one mood, such as calm or curious, then shift to a different mood, such as danger or fear. Avoid predictable or clichéd descriptions.

My mood shift will change from ____________________ to ____________________.