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Year 8 - English

Finding my own voice: planning a poem inspired by Maya Angelou

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 plan a poem inspired by the ideas and methods in Angelou's poetry.

Key Notes

  • When writing a poem inspired by a particular writer, their ideas and / or methods might inspire you.
  • You could use Angelou's writing routine to spark your creativity e.g. generating ideas about a particular theme.
  • When selecting which methods you want to use in a poem, consider how each method will help you convey your ideas.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • direct address: when the text speaks directly to the reader / audience, often using the pronoun 'you'
  • methods: the tools a writer uses to create their work
  • defiant: boldly disobedient

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • You can't plan a poem. Poems are inspired, and just flow from the heart.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

When writing a poem inspired by a particular writer, their ideas and / or methods might inspire you. You could use Angelou's writing routine to spark your creativity e.g. generating ideas about a particular theme.

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

when the text speaks directly to the reader / audience, often using the pronoun 'you'.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: You can't plan a poem. Poems are inspired, and just flow from the heart. Correction: Poems, just like paragraphs, can be planned. You can consider ideas and methods. Indeed, because poems are often shorter than other texts, planning each idea and method is even more important - no word can be wasted.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 English guide library.