Analysing stanzas one and two of 'The Highwayman'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse and understand the events in stanzas one and two of ‘The Highwayman’.
Key learning points
- Alred Noyes uses figurative language to hook the reader in and create atmosphere in stanza one.
- Repetition can be used to emphasise a particular word, sentence or phrase.
- Personification is when a non-human thing is given human characteristics.
- Metaphor is when one thing is described as another; simile involves using 'like' or 'as' to compare two things.
- Alliteration is when two or more words begin with the same starting sound or letter.
Keywords
Stanza - a part of a poem consisting of two or more lines grouped together
Analyse - to study something in detail to understand its meaning
Linguistic features - the structures of language that use words
Figurative language - the use of metaphor, simile and personification to paint vivid pictures for the reader
Common misconception
Pupils may find it difficult to understand some of the vocabulary in stanzas one and two.
Reading and listening to unfamiliar vocabulary should not put us off studying poetry or texts that contain it!
Teacher tip
Show pupils Joseph Coelho's 'MORERAPS' poem to help them access and understand figurative language.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a narrative poem?
Q2.When did the 18th century occur?
Q3.Which country was 'The Highwayman' set in?
Q4.What is a person who writes poetry called?
Q5.Who wrote 'The Highwayman'?
Q6.'Context' refers to which of these?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each of the keywords to their definitions.
part of a poem consisting of two or more grouped lines
to study something in detail to understand its meaning
the structures of language that use words
specific devices that paint vivid pictures for the reader
Q2.Match each linguistic device to its definition.
when word endings sound the same
the repeating of key words and phrases
many words beginning with the same letter
comparing two things by saying that one thing is another
Q3.Match each linguistic device to the correct example.
trees, seas
riding - riding - riding
ghostly galleon
the road was a ribbon of moonlight
Q4.Match the vocabulary from the poem to the correct definitions.
an 18th century sailing ship
a large space of land often covered in heather
the colour of red wine
an 18th century sword
a gun
Q5.Stanza One of the poem describes what?
Q6.What does stanza two of the poem describe?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Analysing stanzas one and two of 'The Highwayman', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Analysing stanzas one and two of 'The Highwayman', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'The Highwayman': narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.