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      Identifying and analysing a writer’s perspective

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify a writer's perspective and how this is presented through language choices.

      Key learning points

      1. A writer's perspective refers to their unique point of view, beliefs, values and experiences.
      2. Identifying a writer's perspective involves understanding the underlying motivations, assumptions, and attitudes.
      3. Looking for patterns in a text can help develop an understanding of the writer’s perspective.
      4. Semantic fields and extended metaphors can be used by writers to present and develop their perspective.

      Keywords

      • Gist - the main idea or essence of something, often brief and in a simplified form

      • Militant - to be forceful, determined and extreme, sometimes using aggressive methods

      • Slogan - a slogan is a memorable phrase used by a person, group, or company to convey a message or idea

      • Archaic - something that is outdated, old-fashioned, or no longer in common use

      • Autonomy - having the freedom and independence to make your own decisions without being controlled by others

      Common misconception

      Pankhurst and the suffragettes were peaceful protesters.

      How does Pankhurst's speech convey some of the radical tactics or attitudes employed by the suffragettes? Pankhurst and her followers pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms to fight for women's rights.

      Teacher tip

      Task B can also be completed as a written task.

      Equipment

      A copy of Pankhurst's 'Freedom or Death' speech can be found in the additional materials.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      If a text is written in 1913, it is from which century?

      17th century
      18th century
      19th century
      Correct answer: 20th century

      Q2.
      Which reading skill can help you before reading a complex text?

      clarifying
      questioning
      Correct answer: predicting
      summarising

      Q3.
      Which of these is not an example of contextual information?

      Correct answer: connotation
      writer
      form
      date

      Q4.
      Which one of these comparative conjunctions does not show difference?

      whereas
      however
      Correct answer: likewise
      contrastingly

      Q5.
      Which sentence does not use correlative or comparative conjunctions?

      Contrastingly, Watson's sounds less confrontational.
      Both Watson and Pankhurst describe attitudes towards gender inequality.
      Correct answer: Pankhurst suggests radical action.

      Q6.
      In the 18th and 19th centuries what was the most common attitude towards gender inequality?

      Correct answer: Acceptance of gender roles as natural and necessary.
      Advocacy for equal rights and opportunities for all genders.
      Rejection of traditional gender norms and stereotypes.
      Promotion of women's empowerment and leadership roles.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In what year did Emmeline Pankhurst deliver her speech 'Freedom or Death'?

      1713
      1813
      Correct answer: 1913
      2023

      Q2.
      "Deeds not words" is an example of ...

      Correct answer: a slogan.
      a rhetorical question.
      a statistic.
      a fact.

      Q3.
      Which reading strategy can help you understand archaic texts and get the gist of the text?

      analysing
      Correct answer: skimming and scanning
      summarising
      questioning

      Q4.
      In her speech 'Freedom or Death', Pankhurst's repeated use of war imagery is an example of ...

      hyperbole.
      symbolism.
      a simile.
      Correct answer: an extended metaphor.

      Q5.
      What does the term "militant" mean?

      Correct answer: to be forceful, determined and extreme, sometimes using aggressive methods
      having the freedom and independence to make your own decisions
      outdated, old-fashioned, or no longer in common use
      acceptance of gender roles as natural and necessary

      Q6.
      Which of these words does not connect to Pankhurst's use of the semantic field of conflict and violence?

      soldier
      militant
      war
      battle
      Correct answer: hungry

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Identifying and analysing a writer’s perspective, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...