Exploring Maya Angelou’s use of figurative language
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore and evaluate Angelou’s use of figurative language across two poems: ‘Equality’ and ‘Phenomenal Woman’.
Key learning points
- Figurative language sees writers use non-literal words and phrases to develop complex ideas about something, or someone.
- Maya Angelou uses figurative language in ‘Equality’ to develop complex ideas about the speaker and society.
- Angelou uses figurative language in many of her poems.
- When comparing poems, using words like 'more' or 'less' can be helpful.
Keywords
Literal - factual, exact
Figurative language - non-literal words and phrases which develop a writer's meaning
Oppress - to treat someone, or a group of people, unfairly
Common misconception
Figurative language is a synonym for a metaphor or simile.
Metaphor and simile are both specific examples of figurative language. Figurative language is a broader term. Allusion, personification and hyperbole are other common examples of figurative language.
Teacher tip
Consider how you will reread both poems in this lesson. How can you develop the idea that rereading is a valuable and enjoyable skill? You could consider watching Angelou perform both poems or asking pupils to read in groups if they are confident with the poems' language and ideas.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of 'Equality' by Maya Angelou published by Penguin Random House in 1990 and 'Phenomenal Woman' by Maya Angelou published by Penguin Random House in 1978.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Maya Angelou's 'Equality', which words develop the idea that the speaker is accusing her oppressors of wrong doing? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q2.Which of these words are synonyms for 'literal'? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q3.Which of these words are antonyms for 'literal'? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q4.Match each Maya Angelou poem to the date they were first published ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').
Q5.Match each stanza from Maya Angelou's 'Equality' to its focus ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').
Q6.Match each stanza from Maya Angelou's 'Phenomenal Woman' to its focus ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Maya Angelou's 'Equality', the speaker beats " " to signal her desire for equality. ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q2.What is figurative language? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q3.In Maya Angelou's 'Equality', what does the speaker command her oppressors to do in the final three stanzas?
Q4.In Maya Angelou's 'Equality', the speaker stands before her oppressors…? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q5.Which of these references to Maya Angelou's poems ('Phenomenal Woman' and 'Equality') are examples of figurative language? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
Q6.In Maya Angelou's 'Equality', the speaker says she feels like a " " in the eyes of society (Stanza three). ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Exploring Maya Angelou’s use of figurative language, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Exploring Maya Angelou’s use of figurative language, 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 Single poet study: Maya Angelou unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.