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Year 8 - English

Finding my own voice: writing 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 write a poem inspired by the ideas and methods in Angelou's poetry.

Key Notes

  • You can use a poet's work to inspire your own creativity.
  • You can plan each stanza of a poem by considering its focus, details and methods
  • Reading your poem aloud can help you identify areas you would like to improve.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • methods: the tools a writer uses to create their work; use of figurative language is one example
  • sullen: bad-tempered, sulky
  • figurative language: non-literal phrases and words which develop a writer's meaning
  • idle: not doing anything, lazy
  • ignoble: not honourable, unworthy

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • You can't plan a stanza of a poem. It's not like a paragraph or an essay.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

You can use a poet's work to inspire your own creativity. You can plan each stanza of a poem by considering its focus, details and methods.

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

the tools a writer uses to create their work; use of figurative language is one example.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: You can't plan a stanza of a poem. It's not like a paragraph or an essay. Correction: Stanzas are like paragraphs. They need structure and focus. Spending time planning their methods, vocabulary and ideas make writing the stanza easier.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 English guide library.