Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Writing a poem about the heat

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can write and revise my poem about the heat

      Key learning points

      1. A tanka is a traditional Japanese form of poetry that originated more than 1,300 years ago.
      2. Tankas often explore themes of nature, emotions and the passage of time.
      3. When editing tankas, we can consider the specificity of our language choices.
      4. Editing word choices and phrases can help to improve the imagery and impression created by our poems.
      5. Reading your poem aloud will help you to revise and refine it.

      Keywords

      • Tanka - a form of Japanese poetry consisting of five lines with a specific syllable pattern (5-7-5-7-7), often expressing emotions, observations or narratives

      • Editing - the process of improving writing to improve text flow and overall quality

      Common misconception

      Pupils may find it challenging to generate rhyming words associated with the heat.

      Pupils could work in partners, or as a whole class, to create a list of rhyming words.

      Teacher tip

      Tankas could be performed with a musical backing. Percussion or a steady beat could support rhythm and flow.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following words can be associated with heat?

      frost-bitten
      Correct answer: roasting
      Correct answer: sizzling
      drenching

      Q2.
      Which of the following are examples of poetic devices?

      Correct answer: personification
      nouns
      Correct answer: alliteration
      verbs
      Correct answer: simile

      Q3.
      What is the correct syllable structure for a tanka?

      Correct answer: 5-7-5-7-7
      5-7-5
      5-6-7-8

      Q4.
      Match each word class to the correct example.

      Correct Answer:verb,ignite, bake

      ignite, bake

      Correct Answer:adjective,scorching, boiling

      scorching, boiling

      Correct Answer:noun,inferno, furnace

      inferno, furnace

      Q5.
      Which word best describes the following image?

      An image in a quiz
      downpour
      glacial
      Correct answer: scorching

      Q6.
      Which is the most suitable example of the word relentless?

      when the wind and sea are out of control
      Correct answer: like the sun when it beats down on you until you nearly melt
      like the cold air when you stick your face in the freezer

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to their definitions.

      Correct Answer:tanka,a form of Japanese poetry, with a specific syllable structure

      a form of Japanese poetry, with a specific syllable structure

      Correct Answer:editing,the process of improving writing to improve text flow and quality

      the process of improving writing to improve text flow and quality

      Correct Answer:personification,describing a non-living thing as if it is a person

      describing a non-living thing as if it is a person

      Q2.
      Select the line that uses personification.

      Correct answer: Heat waves dance joyously across the pavement.
      Heat warms the ground.
      Heat radiates outward.

      Q3.
      Select the line that uses alliteration.

      The sun brightens up the day.
      The heat fills the air.
      Correct answer: Blistering beams burn brightly.

      Q4.
      True or false? Editing word choices and phrases can help to improve the imagery and impression created by our poems.

      Correct Answer: True, true

      Q5.
      Select the line that uses repetition.

      Correct answer: The sun blazed down, down, down.
      Sunbeams warm the landscape.
      The heatwave stifles.

      Q6.
      When performing a poem, which of the following are important to consider?

      Correct answer: rhythm and flow
      looking down at the ground
      Correct answer: gestures and movement
      Correct answer: showing expression and emotion
      reading in one tone

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing a poem about the heat, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...