KS2 Writing Skills & Vocabulary Flashcards

What does 'formal writing' mean?

Answer: Writing that is appropriate for professional or official contexts, using Standard English

Formal writing uses Standard English, avoids slang and contractions, and is appropriate for official contexts such as letters to employers, reports, or school essays. The vocabulary and tone are professional.

What is 'ambitious vocabulary'?

Answer: Using precise, interesting, and well-chosen words that enhance meaning

Ambitious vocabulary means choosing words carefully to be precise, interesting, and impactful rather than relying on common or vague words. For example, 'sprinted' instead of 'ran', or 'freezing' instead of 'cold'.

Which of the following is an example of a metaphor?

Answer: The classroom was a zoo.

A metaphor describes something as being something else (without using 'like' or 'as'). 'The classroom was a zoo' doesn't mean it was literally a zoo — it means it was chaotic, making a direct comparison.

What is the purpose of a conclusion in a piece of non-fiction writing?

Answer: To summarise the main points and give a sense of ending

A conclusion rounds off a piece of writing by summarising the key points, reinforcing the main message, and giving the reader a sense of completion. In persuasive writing, it may include a call to action.

Why should a writer use a variety of sentence structures?

Answer: To make the writing more interesting and to create different effects

Using a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex) makes writing more engaging, controls pace, creates effects, and demonstrates a writer's skill. Monotonous sentence structures make writing dull.

What technique is used in: 'The silver moon shimmered silently'?

Answer: Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words. 'Silver', 'shimmered', and 'silently' all begin with the 's' sound, creating a soft, lyrical effect.