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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'Half-caste' by John Agard

'Conflict'

Unit Summary

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

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Agard uses language and structure to express his viewpoint.

Key Notes

  • The short lines and lack of punctuation make the poem sound conversational in tone.
  • The lack of punctuation could create a sense of strong emotion, illustrating Agard's frustration.
  • It is written in a mixture of dialects, perhaps reflecting the merging of identities.
  • Agard uses direct address to encourage the reader to challenge their prejudices.
  • Agard uses a series of comparisons to underline the ridiculousness of these prejudicial thoughts.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • interpersonal conflict: disagreement or tension between individuals or groups
  • prejudices: unjustified negative opinion towards an individual or group, based on an unfair perception of them
  • unconscious: mental processes or actions not actively perceived or controlled by the individual
  • facetious: treating serious issues with inappropriate humour, often to entertain or provoke amusement
  • dialect: regional or social variety of language with distinct grammar, pronunciation or vocabulary

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The poem is solely directed at the silent listener ("yu") who is addressed in the opening of the poem.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The short lines and lack of punctuation make the poem sound conversational in tone. The lack of punctuation could create a sense of strong emotion, illustrating Agard's frustration.

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

disagreement or tension between individuals or groups.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The poem is solely directed at the silent listener ("yu") who is addressed in the opening of the poem. Correction: It could be argued that this silent listener could symbolise all readers (or listeners) of this poem since the speaker discusses how they will behave when they are "introduced" to the "yu" figure, implying they haven't yet met.

More Lessons In This Unit

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