This free resource provides a short classroom starter activity using an extract from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

Designed as a 10-minute lesson starter, the activity helps students explore how writers use language and imagery to create vivid descriptions.

The resource includes:

• A short adapted extract from The Picture of Dorian Gray
• Three quick questions focusing on language and reader impression
• A descriptive writing challenge where students create their own vivid description
• A vocabulary bank to support descriptive writing
• A help box explaining how writers create vivid imagery
• Teacher notes with suggested answers
• Five ideas for extending the activity into a full lesson

This activity helps students practise:

• identifying descriptive language
• exploring the effect of imagery
• developing descriptive writing skills

This resource forms part of a GCSE English Language Starter Series, designed to provide quick and engaging classroom activities based on classic literature.

Suitable for KS3 and KS4 English lessons, including GCSE English Language preparation.