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Year 10 - English

Comparing experiences in Owen's 'Exposure' and Satyamurti's 'War Photographer'

'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 describe how poets use language, form and structure to express their different experiences of war.

Key Notes

  • Owen's authentic poem presents a first hand experience of war.
  • Often first hand experiences create more harrowing poetry.
  • Both poems use sensory descriptions to create a vivid impression of warzones.
  • Both poets explore the atrocities of war.
  • Comparative adjectives can be used to evaluate the subtle differences between the poets' attitudes and methods.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • firsthand: directly experienced or observed, without intermediaries or secondary sources
  • mediated: experienced through an intermediary or secondary source, not directly experienced or observed
  • evaluate: making a 'value' judgement about the quality of something (e.g. it is longer, better, more harrowing)
  • sensory descriptions: detailed depictions that appeal to the senses, enhancing imagery and immersion in writing
  • comparative adjectives: words used to compare differences or similarities between two or more nouns or pronouns

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Both poems are based on a firsthand experience of war.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Owen's authentic poem presents a first hand experience of war. Often first hand experiences create more harrowing poetry.

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

directly experienced or observed, without intermediaries or secondary sources.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Both poems are based on a firsthand experience of war. Correction: Only 'Exposure' is based on firsthand experience since Owen was serving as a WWI British soldier while writing. Satyamurti's poem wasn't based on any one particular person, event or conflict.

More Lessons In This Unit

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