Refining comparative essay writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan and structure a cohesive argument for a poetry comparison essay.
Key learning points
- Introduction and topic sentences should use comparative and correlative conjunctions.
- Within a wider similarity, explore smaller variations or connections in the poets ideas, messages or use of devices.
- Use sequences of developmental and evaluative connectives to explore multiple angles of an idea.
- Ensure concluding sentences and conclusions are evaluative, drawing out precise ideas.
Keywords
Nuanced - a subtle difference in meaning. In our poetry essays we want to look for nuanced differences in the presentation of the same thing (e.g. war).
Correlative conjunctions - words that work in pairs to join ideas together (e.g. neither/nor).
Discourse markers - words and phrases we use to organise and connect our ideas. They let our reader know where our argument is going.
Evaluate - to make a judgement on something. In English we evaluate a writer’s methods and ideas.
Common misconception
The best analysis identifies similarities and differences between poems in the anthology.
The best analysis will look for nuanced variations between similarities (e.g. 'Both 'Bayonet Charge' and 'Remains' explore the impact of war on individuals. However, Remains focuses more on war's aftermath and the psychological effect it can have.')
Teacher tip
The practice task in learning cycle 1 gets students to compare two poems and identify a difference within a similarity. You may wish to change the poems in the task to better meet the needs of your students/any upcoming pieces of extended writing they may be completing.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A concluding sentence should…
Q2.Instead of choosing poems based on the time they were written or their style, it's better to compare poems based on their presentation of key...
Q3.Topic sentences should...
Q4.Which poems from the 'Power and Conflict' anthology best explore the theme of memory?
Q5.These poems have been grouped together: 'Ozymandias', 'London' and 'My Last Duchess'. What key theme do they have in common?
Q6.If considering the theme of nature which poem would you choose to compare with 'Kamikaze'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If something has subtle differences in meaning then it can be described as .
Q2.'__________ Armitage __________ Owen shy away from describing the traumatic nature of war on the individual soldier.' Which correlative conjunctions could be added to make this sentence accurate?
Q3.What is being described here: 'to make a judgement on something'?
Q4.Andeep writes the following introduction@ 'My Last Duchess' highlights the vanity of powerful leaders. 'Ozymandias' does this too.' What would be a good target for Andeep to improve this?
Q5.Which of the following discourse markers would be good for showing a relationship of 'cause/effect'?
Q6.What would be a good, nuanced difference to make when analysing 'Ozymandias' and 'My Last Duchess' (MLD)?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Refining comparative essay writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Refining comparative essay writing, 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 4 English lessons from the Power and conflict poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.