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Year 11 - English

Refining comparative essay writing

Power and conflict poetry continued

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis read and analyse three more poems from the 'Power and Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. At the end of the unit, pupils analyse themes from across the anthology and write a sophisticated comparative essay,

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plan and structure a cohesive argument for a poetry comparison essay.

Key Notes

  • Introduction and topic sentences should use comparative and correlative conjunctions.
  • Within a wider similarity, explore smaller variations or connections in the poets ideas, messages or use of devices.
  • Use sequences of developmental and evaluative connectives to explore multiple angles of an idea.
  • Ensure concluding sentences and conclusions are evaluative, drawing out precise ideas.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • nuanced: a subtle difference in meaning. In our poetry essays we want to look for nuanced differences in the presentation of the same thing (e.g. war).
  • correlative conjunctions: words that work in pairs to join ideas together (e.g. neither/nor).
  • discourse markers: words and phrases we use to organise and connect our ideas. They let our reader know where our argument is going.
  • evaluate: to make a judgement on something. In English we evaluate a writer's methods and ideas.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The best analysis identifies similarities and differences between poems in the anthology.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Introduction and topic sentences should use comparative and correlative conjunctions. Within a wider similarity, explore smaller variations or connections in the poets ideas, messages or use of devices.

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

a subtle difference in meaning. In our poetry essays we want to look for nuanced differences in the presentation of the same thing (e.g. war).

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The best analysis identifies similarities and differences between poems in the anthology. Correction: The best analysis will look for nuanced variations between similarities (e.g. 'Both 'Bayonet Charge' and 'Remains' explore the impact of war on individuals. However, Remains focuses more on war's aftermath and the psychological effect it can have.').

More Lessons In This Unit

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