📚 Part 1: Descriptive Writing Techniques

1. Which sentence uses better descriptive language?

The Treaty was signed at Waitangi.

Under the grey February sky, Māori chiefs carefully signed the historic Treaty at Waitangi while hundreds watched in tense silence.

2. What type of descriptive language is used in this sentence: "The musket fire cracked like thunder across the battlefield"?

Adjective

Simile

Time connective

3. Which of these are sensory details? (Choose all that apply)

The acrid smell of gunpowder

In 1840

The rough texture of the parchment

The crowd's anxious murmuring

4. Improve this plain sentence by adding descriptive language:

Plain sentence: The chiefs walked to the table.

Improved sentence: ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

✏️ Part 2: Historical Event Description

5. Choose one New Zealand historical event from your studies:

Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

Auckland volcanic eruption

A significant battle

Other: ________________________

6. Write a descriptive paragraph (150-200 words) about your chosen event. Include:

• At least 3 sensory details (what people saw, heard, smelled, felt, tasted)

• Time connectives (first, then, suddenly, meanwhile)

• Vivid adjectives and verbs

• Clear sequence of events

7. How did adding descriptive language help you picture the historical event?

8. Write three descriptive sentences about an image or artefact from your chosen historical event:

Sentence 1: ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Sentence 2: ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Sentence 3: ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________