Semantic fields | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

What is a semantic field?

• A group of words related in some way.

• A group of words unrelated in some way.

• A group of words that sound similar.

• A group of words that have similar origins.

Answer explanation

A group of words related in some way. Semantic fields can be great additions to our creative writing.

Which of the below words could be part of a semantic field of weather?

• overcast

• shining

• rainfall

• joy

• misery

Answer explanation

These words are all associated with weather in some way. Remember, semantic fields are words that are related in meaning.

What is the process of creating a fictional character called?

Answer explanation

All characters are a construct of the writer. The process in which they are created is called characterisation.

Which of the below would be a valid reason as to why a writer would use a semantic field?

• To develop a character

• To keep an idea present in a reader's head

• To demonstrate their sophisticated vocabulary

• To conclude a story

• To shift a story in time and place

Answer explanation

Writers use semantic fields to develop a character or keep an idea in a reader's mind. For example a villainous character may be introduced with a semantic field of darkness.

The best semantic fields contain a mixture of nouns, {{}} and {{}}.

• verbs, adjectives

• verbs, language devices

• verbs, metaphors

• conjunctions, adverbs

• adverbs, verbs

Answer explanation

The best semantic fields contain a mixture of word types and aren't just restricted to one type (e.g. nouns).

If introducing a villain, an effective semantic field that accompanies them would be ...

• clear and obvious, classing them as a villain immediately.

• nuanced, leaving an element of mystery to the reader.

• repetitive, using negative adjectives extensively.

• short, using either nouns, adjectives or verbs in the description.

Answer explanation

Effective semantic fields are nuanced, using well-chosen language to develop the character.