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Year 8 - English

Analytical paragraphs: Maya Angelou's poetic voice

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and discover the work of Maya Angelou. They explore some of Angelou's most famous poems, such as 'Caged Bird' and 'Still I Rise', and practise writing and performing poems inspired by her work. As the unit develops, pupils find their own distinctive poetic voice.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore Maya Angelou's poetic voice in well-structured analytical paragraphs.

Key Notes

  • We can make comments about Angelou's poetic voice by considering a number of her poems at the same time.
  • When considering Angelou's poetic voice in an analytical paragraph, you should include (and explore) quotations.
  • When considering Angelou's poetic voice in an analytical paragraph, you could include context to develop your ideas.
  • A single paragraph outline is a way of planning a paragraph.
  • First and final sentences of a single paragraph outline are written in full; supporting detail is written in note form.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • extended metaphor: a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas
  • Jim Crow laws: laws enforced by American states which separated people based on the colour of their skin (late 19th century to 1965)
  • civil rights activist: a person who advocates for social and political equality for those who have been denied equal treatment
  • context: in English, historical, social, literary or biographical information which helps us understand a text more fully
  • poetic voice: elements in a poem or poems that make it clear it is by a particular person or speaker

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Single paragraph outlines take too long to plan. You should just start writing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

We can make comments about Angelou's poetic voice by considering a number of her poems at the same time. When considering Angelou's poetic voice in an analytical paragraph, you should include (and explore) quotations.

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

a detailed comparison which develops one idea over a number of lines, paragraphs or stanzas.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Single paragraph outlines take too long to plan. You should just start writing. Correction: Single paragraph outlines give you time to think and prepare. Spending time on these means that you will be able to write your paragraph efficiently knowing that it has a clear focus with well-selected supporting detail.

More Lessons In This Unit

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