refers to people of about the same age: grandparents, parents and children are all different generations

smug, self-satisfied, uncritical of yourself

expressing disapproval or disappointment with someone or something

the tools a writer uses to create their work; structure and language choices are the most significant examples

Comparing texts about World War One in comparative analytical paragraphs

English

In 'A World at War: Short Stories', pupils explore the reasons for writing war literature and how it seeks to convey the suffering of soldiers and civilians, in times of conflict. In 'Power and Conflict Poetry', students explore the many types of conflict that arise through war, with themes including patriotism, propaganda, fear, guilt and duty.

In 'The Tempest', pupils are encouraged to write from the viewpoint of Caliban and Ariel, adopting character voices in creative writing. In 'A World at War', pupils emulate the writing styles of the authors that they encounter, to create an authentic voice in their writing. 

In this unit, pupils explore and compare texts written about the First World War. They first read Beck's 'Propping up the line', Mansfield's 'The Fly' and Wilfred Owen's 1917 letter home to his mum. They finally read Brittain's 'Testament of Youth', and then plan and write a comparative response.

Literary perspectives from the First World War

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea

considering a text carefully and commenting on it

tools a writer uses to create their work e.g. language and structure

the final sentence of a paragraph summarising its argument

When given an analytical essay question about a text or texts, knowledge of key terms will help you plan and write your essay. Match each term to its definition.

Both Wilfred Owen and Katherine Mansfield use their work as a form of criticism.

Owen uses his poems to undermine the belief that to die in war is noble.

Mansfield is more ambiguous, but seems to criticise the older generation.

Starting with the first, put these sentences in order for a paragraph which starts by comparing two texts (Literary perspectives from the First World War).

Which word best completes this sentence comparing 2 texts: "{{ }} Mansfield's and Beck's short stories were inspired by events in their own lives."

Which words best complete this sentence comparing texts: "Mansfield's story is perhaps motivated by the loss of her brother, {{ }} Beck was inspired by his grandfather."

Which of these words, all important to Katherine Mansfield's 'The Fly' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) best describes someone who is childish?

You should include one quotation per paragraph so you can explore it in detail.

You should link quotations from different parts of the text together.

You should select quotations that are rich in methods.

You should include long quotations, so you have enough to explore.

You should analyse every quotation you include.

When analysing texts from the unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', you will use quotations. What is true of the way you could include quotations?

When given an analytical essay question about a text or texts, you should {{ }} the question, making short notes about its key words and your initial ideas.

describing something by comparing it directly to something else

using something tangible to represent intangible ideas

When analysing a text from the unit World at war: short stories, you will focus on a writer's methods. Match each of these selected methods to their meanings.

Which word best completes this sentence comparing 2 texts (World at war: short stories): "{{ }} Mansfield and Beck choose a third person narrative voice for their short stories."

Which words could best complete this sentence comparing texts: "Mansfield's story takes place over a matter of moments. {{ }}, Beck presents the whole of Alfred's life."

Which word, all important to Katherine Mansfield's 'The Fly' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) best describes someone who is shallow, empty and thoughtless?

Which word, all important to Katherine Mansfield's 'The Fly' (Literary perspectives from the First World War), best describes someone who is self-satisfied?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz