Inference means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.

Interpretation refers to the process of understanding and assigning meaning to a poem, considering its language, imagery, and themes.

Imagery involves the use of vivid and sensory language to create vivid mental pictures, enhancing the emotional impact of a poem.

Reading and responding to 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare

English

First impressions and engaging with 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare

Understanding new vocabulary in 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare

Examining structure and language in 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare

Identifying key themes in 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare

'The Listeners: reading’ has language that is antiquated, requiring contextual knowledge and several strategies to decode. ’Sherlock Holmes: descriptive and letter writing’ contains language of the Victorian era. The reading sessions develop these skills further.

In 'The Highwayman: narrative writing’ pupils will have explored a narrative poem, and written outcomes based on it. In ’The Listeners: reading’ pupils will read and respond to a narrative poem, developing reading strategies and examining language and structure.

In this unit, pupils read and respond to the poem, 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare. They learn about the poet and examine the structure and language in the poem. Finally, pupils explore the imagery used and the key themes from the poem.

'The Listeners': reading

means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions

refers to the process of understanding and assigning meaning

the use of vivid language to create clear mental pictures

Match the keyword with the correct definition.

There is only ever one way to interpret a poem.

The Traveller is welcomed by the listeners.

Which of the following are correct interpretations of 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare?

Match the description to the characters within the poem.

What kind of atmosphere does Walter de la Mare create using vocabulary within 'The Listeners'?

why the listeners are not answering the door

What are the key unanswered question in 'The Listeners'?

Which country was the poet Walter de la Mare from?

Select the examples of antiquated vocabulary found in 'The Listeners' by Walter de La Mere.

a supportive metal or leather loop that hangs from a saddle for a rider's foot

a metal utensil used to stir ingredients when cooking

Walter de la Mare mentions a 'stirrup' in his poem. Select the correct definition of this word.

Understanding the vocabulary used in a poem can support your overall comprehension of the poem.

knowing the atmosphere and emotions of the poem

knowing very little about the poem or the language used

speaking with a clear voice and varying your volume

Select the strategies which could support reading a poem aloud.

In Walter de la Mare's poem 'The Listeners', what do the listeners do when the visitor arrives?

Starter Quiz

Which country was the poet Walter de la Mare from?