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Year 8 - English

Performing Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise'

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 perform one stanza of Maya Angelou's 'Still you Rise' with a focus on conveying the speaker's power.

Key Notes

  • There is a contrast between the way the speaker and those who have oppressed her are presented in 'Still I Rise'.
  • When performing a poem, you should consider how you want to engage with your audience.
  • You should make informed decisions about the pace, volume and tone of your voice.
  • You should aim to know your material off by heart so you can look at the audience most of the time.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • resilient: being able to cope, withstand and recover from difficult physical or mental challenge
  • oppress: to treat someone, or a group of people, unfairly
  • project: to speak loudly and clearly

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Performing poetry is just about reading it aloud.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

There is a contrast between the way the speaker and those who have oppressed her are presented in 'Still I Rise'. When performing a poem, you should consider how you want to engage with your audience.

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

being able to cope, withstand and recover from difficult physical or mental challenge.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Performing poetry is just about reading it aloud. Correction: Watching people perform poetry is very popular. The most engaging performers carefully consider how they will say the poem, and how they will engage with their audiences.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 English guide library.