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Year 5 - English

Reading and responding to 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare

'The Listeners': reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and respond to the poem, 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare. They learn about the poet and examine the structure and language in the poem. Finally, pupils explore the imagery used and the key themes from the poem.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to interpret the poem and answer questions about it.

Key Notes

  • Walter de la Mare uses a range of poetic devices to create atmosphere in "The Listeners"
  • Readers can interpret the poem in many different ways.
  • Reading between the lines to search for clues can help to infer meaning.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • inference: Inference means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.
  • interpretation: Interpretation refers to the process of understanding and assigning meaning to a poem, considering its language, imagery, and themes.
  • imagery: Imagery involves the use of vivid and sensory language to create vivid mental pictures, enhancing the emotional impact of a poem.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Many readers might interpret the poem literally.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Walter de la Mare uses a range of poetic devices to create atmosphere in "The Listeners". Readers can interpret the poem in many different ways.

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

Inference means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Many readers might interpret the poem literally. Correction: The listeners are non-human objects, described as phantoms by Walter de la Mare.

More Lessons In This Unit

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