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Year 8 - English

Comparing poems: 'Brueghel's Winter' and 'The Hunters in the Snow'

Myths, legends and stories that inspire

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore a range of text types in connection to classical myths and legends. They first look at poetry before doing some descriptive writing inspired by poetry and paintings. They then explore Chaucer and modern retellings of myths to inspire their narrative writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write a comparative paragraph which explores two poems inspired by the same painting.

Key Notes

  • The opening of a comparative paragraph could start with a topic sentence which states the paragraphs main idea.
  • Next, the comparative paragraph could focus on analysing the first text.
  • Then, a comparative paragraph could focus on the second text, comparing it to the first.
  • Comparing the methods writers have used can help to develop the comparison.
  • The final sentence of a comparative paragraph could link to the topic sentence.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • enjambment: when there is no punctuation at the end of a line of poetry
  • pace: the speed of something
  • present participle verb: the '-ing' form of the verb; for example, slipping
  • methods: the tools a writer uses to create their work; enjambment, verbs and adjectives are all examples of methods

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • You can't talk about two different texts in the same paragraph.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The opening of a comparative paragraph could start with a topic sentence which states the paragraphs main idea. Next, the comparative paragraph could focus on analysing the first text.

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

when there is no punctuation at the end of a line of poetry.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: You can't talk about two different texts in the same paragraph. Correction: It can be tricky to talk about two texts in one paragraph, but it often makes for a stronger comparison. A good way to start is to consider one aspect of the texts you wish to compare, and then draw out the differences in your analysis.

More Lessons In This Unit

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