Year 11 - English
Analysing the poem 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian' by Imtiaz Dharker
Belonging poetry continued
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupis read and analyse three poems from the 'Belonging' 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 practise crafting a sophisticated comparative essay,
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Dharker uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint and engage the reader.
Key Notes
- Dharker's use of direct address creates an intimate tone, one where we are hearing Dharker's inner most thoughts.
- Dharker's use of questions encourages the reader to reflect on their own sense of belonging.
- Dharker uses people or places that seem exotic and exciting, in contrast to the places where she grew up.
- Dharker uses archetypal descriptions to encourage readers to relate to the speaker's yearning to live a different life.
- Dharker's speaker assumes that all teenagers dream of living somewhere 'more exciting'.
Vocabulary To Learn
- archetype: a typical example of a person or thing that everyone recognises.
- poetic voice: the style or persona a poet uses to engage and connect with the reader.
- conveys: communicates or expresses a message or idea clearly.
- tentative language: words used to express uncertainty or indicate personal interpretations.
- direct address: speaking directly to the reader or audience using "you" or similar terms.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The poetic voice in the poem is definitely Imtiaz Dharker.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Dharker's use of direct address creates an intimate tone, one where we are hearing Dharker's inner most thoughts. Dharker's use of questions encourages the reader to reflect on their own sense of belonging.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'archetype'
a typical example of a person or thing that everyone recognises.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: The poetic voice in the poem is definitely Imtiaz Dharker. Correction: While Dharker uses some of her life experiences as references in the poem (Glasgow, 1960s and 1970s), there are also many examples which may not relate to her life. Arguably she is trying to seem relatable to all readers.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Analysing an extended and developed response on Edexcel's Belonging anthology Study Guide
- Analysing the poem 'Kumukanda' by Kayo Chingonyi Study Guide
- Analysing the poem 'Us' by Zaffar Kunial Study Guide
- Comparing attitudes to identity and longing in the Edexcel Belonging anthology Study Guide
- Comparing Chingonyi's 'Kumukanda' to other Edexcel 'Belonging' poems Study Guide
- Making connections between the poems in the Edexcel Belonging anthology Study Guide
- Planning an extended and developed response on Edexcel's Belonging poetry Study Guide
- Understanding the poem 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian' by Imtiaz Dharker Study Guide
- Understanding the poem 'Kumukanda' by Kayo Chingonyi Study Guide
- Understanding the poem 'Us' by Zaffar Kunial Study Guide
- Writing an extended and developed response on Edexcel's 'Belonging' poetry Study Guide
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