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Year 10 - English

Understanding the poem 'Belfast Confetti' by Ciaran Carson

'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 Carson conveys the chaos of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Key Notes

  • Carson lived in Belfast during the height of The Troubles.
  • The Troubles was a 30-year conflict between Nationalists and Unionists.
  • Belfast Confetti was the slang name given to homemade bombs.
  • The poem discusses the impact of the The Troubles on people living in Belfast.
  • Carson uses different punctuation symbols to explore the overwhelming emotions we associate with war.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • exacerbated: made worse or more severe, intensifying existing problems or conflicts
  • civil war: conflict within a country involving opposing groups, often leading to widespread violence and destruction
  • paramilitary: armed group operating like military but not officially recognised by the government
  • The Troubles: period of conflict in Northern Ireland characterised by sectarian violence and political tensions
  • sectarian: divisions or conflicts between religious or political groups, often marked by intolerance or hostility

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Troubles was a war that occurred between the armies of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Carson lived in Belfast during the height of The Troubles. The Troubles was a 30-year conflict between Nationalists and Unionists.

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

made worse or more severe, intensifying existing problems or conflicts.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The Troubles was a war that occurred between the armies of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Correction: The Troubles were fought in Northern Ireland between the unionists (who wanted NI to remain in the UK) and the nationalists (who wanted NI to join the ROI). Most of the fighting occurred between paramilitary groups.

More Lessons In This Unit

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