Comparing poems about place and home
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify similarities and differences between poems about place, home and identity.
Key learning points
- Comparative and correlative conjunctions are useful when explaining similarities and differences.
- Comparative conjunctions can be used to compare ideas in a sentence and show difference.
- Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect ideas in a sentence.
- 'Island Man' and 'Search for My Tongue' both explore immigration, pride and identity.
Keywords
Comparison - a consideration of the similarities and differences between two things
Correlative conjunction - pairs of words that work together to connect ideas in a sentence
Comparative conjunction - a conjunction used to indicate how things are different and/or similar
Common misconception
Students may not at first understand that they must use a parallel sentence structure when using correlative conjunctions e.g. Both 'Island Man' uses imagery as well as 'Search for My Tongue'.
Model a few sentences with correlative conjunctions to show that parallel structures are needed. e.g. Both 'Island Man' and 'Search for My Tongue' use imagery.
Teacher tip
If you would prefer to compare other identity/home poems, you can swap them in.
Equipment
You will need access to 'Search for My Tongue' by Sujata Bhatt and 'Island Man' by Grace Nichols for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To discuss the similarities and differences between two things is to ...
Q2.Match each word class with the correct example.
but
vibrant
she
uses
Q3.What is a conjunction?
Q4.Both 'Island Man' and use imagery to describe the Caribbean.
Q5.Which of the below is a comparative conjunction?
Q6.Which poem does not touch upon the poet's own personal story of immigration?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of correlative conjunctions?
Q2.Select the sentence which uses correlative conjunctions.
Q3.Complete the sentence with the most appropriate comparison: 'Whereas Bhatt is prideful about her native language ...'
Q4.Complete the sentence: Nichols shows pride for her home country by describing scenery in 'Island Man' whereas in 'Search for My Tongue' Bhatt shows her pride through …
Q5.Which conjunction is missing from the following sentence? 'Bhatt struggles to adapt to a new language after immigration. Nichols struggles to adapt to new climate and scenery.'
Q6.Which sentence uses correlative conjunctions correctly?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Comparing poems about place and home, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Comparing poems about place and home, 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 3 English lessons from the Poetry about place and home unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.