Using adjectives for effect

This advanced worksheet was created by a teacher for KS2 and KS3 children to explain how adjectives can be used for effect in their writing.

Different adjectives can completely transform a piece of writing, as your child will find out when they write two contradictory reviews of a pop concert. Will they judge the singer as 'cool' or 'cold'?

How can KS2 children use adjectives for effect?

• Encourage children to choose adjectives that vividly describe the noun, helping the reader picture it more clearly, like sparkling ocean instead of just blue ocean.
   
• Suggest using adjectives to create a specific mood or feeling, such as gloomy night to make the scene feel mysterious or eerie.
   
• Teach them to avoid overloading sentences with too many adjectives; sometimes, one powerful adjective can have a stronger effect than several.

What are some examples of using adjectives for effect?

Here are five examples of using adjectives for effect:

• The giant, roaring lion prowled through the jungle.
   
• She wore a shimmering, golden dress at the party.
   
• The spooky, abandoned house stood at the end of the street.
   
• He held the tiny, fragile bird gently in his hands.
   
• The delicious, warm cookies made the kitchen smell amazing.

For more support with KS2 English, check out our hub page, or try a new challenge such as our Year 6 English Challenge Pack.