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Year 10 - English

Comparing liminality, physicality and voice in AQA Worlds and Lives poetry

'World and Lives'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'World and Lives' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in a thematically linked order so they can complete comparative lessons at key points in the unit.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain and compare how Mundair, Berry, and Femi express concepts of liminality, physicality and voice.

Key Notes

  • Both Mundair and Berry place their speakers in a liminal space.
  • Arguably, through this liminality, their intention could be to show the connection between place and identity.
  • Both Mundair and Femi present the uncomfortable physical experience of discrimination.
  • Both Femi and Berry consider ideas of voice and agency to comment on the experience of minorities.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • liminal: occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold
  • threshold: the place or point of entering or beginning
  • physicality: involvement of bodily contact or activity
  • agency: the ability to act autonomously and freely
  • transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The content of the poem matters more than who is speaking in the poem.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Both Mundair and Berry place their speakers in a liminal space. Arguably, through this liminality, their intention could be to show the connection between place and identity.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'liminal'

occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The content of the poem matters more than who is speaking in the poem. Correction: The voice we hear in a poem is incredibly important for the meaning as it could show us who the poet deems as important or perhaps they are making a comment on who has agency in society.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.