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

non-literal phrases and words which develop a writer's meaning

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

English

In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils study a body of work by a single poet, in order to explore what makes her style and voice unique, giving Angelou her identity as a writer. In the second  Power and Conflict Poetry unit, pupils study the identity cluster of poems, including works by Agard, Dharker and Rumens, all of which use poetic voice to explore questions about personal identity.

In 'Poetry about Place and Home', pupils use spoken word poetry to explore their relationship to the city that they live in. In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils explore how spoken word poetry can be used to express personal and political views. 

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

The small child stuck his tongue out and stared.

Which sentence is an example of sibilance? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

Life may be scary, but I'm not frightened.

I am powerfully and persistently phenomenal.

Save your silly songs for someone stupid.

Which sentence is an example of alliteration? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

When editing your work, reading your piece of writing {{ }} can help you hear what sounds good, and what needs further work ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

Angelou's speakers are often uplifting, rather than sullen.

If I am feeling sullenly, I often read a poem to lift my spirits.

I was pleased to help; that's why I looked so sullen.

Angelou uses a sullen number of stanzas in 'Still I Rise'.

Which sentence uses the word sullen, or its forms, correctly? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

I ran to school idly because I didn't want to be late.

I was accused of being idly, but I was just thinking.

I hate being idle – I'm always up and about doing something.

I was idelist this morning so I didn't make my bed.

Which sentence uses the word idle, or its forms, correctly? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

He called me ignoble, which I think is unfair. I am always lying and cheating.

I was ignoble this morning so I had a huge breakfast.

He seemed ignoble to me and I didn't trust him.

Robbing the bank was ignoble, but what choice did I have?

Which of these sentences uses the word ignoble correctly? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

a repeated line or lines throughout a poem

using words that sound like each other in the middle or end of lines

using the same letter to start two or more words

Match each method to its definition ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

Match each word to its definition ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

How many stanzas does Maya Angelou's 'On Aging' have? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

I thundered out of the room, a storm cloud of anger.

Which of the sentences below are examples of figurative language? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

Which of these Angelou poems uses first person? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

Which of these Angelou poem titles uses figurative language? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.