Comparing 'Power and Conflict' war poems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can draw interesting comparisons between two war poems.
Key learning points
- The anthology's war poems can be grouped via their exploration of who war effects.
- The anthology's war poems can be grouped via their exploration of the effect of war during and after the conflict.
- The poems that you choose to compare should both be linked to the focus and nuances of the question you are asked.
- It is useful to consider the similarities between poems and then consider any subtle differences between them.
- Concluding sentences should have a sharp focus on the writer’s intention.
Keywords
Complement - when something supports something else or makes it more effective
Contrast - if one thing contrasts with another, it is very different from it
Intention - the reason or purpose behind a decision or action
Common misconception
Students may think that all war poems are equally suitable for comparison.
Grouping the war poems into distinct categories can help students see the subtle differences between poems that seem to be largely about the same thing.
Teacher tip
You can adapt the explanation section of learning cycle 2 to explore two poems that you would like your class to practice.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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.When we compare we look for...
Q2.What person is Wilfred Owen's 'Exposure' written in?
Q3.In 'Poppies', Weir presents the grief of a...
Q4.Which other poem in the anthology would compare well with 'Poppies' as it shows the impact of war on family?
Q5.What is the role of a thesis statement?
Q6.If something is nuanced it is...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their definitions.
when something supports something else or makes it more effective
an obvious difference between two things
the reason or purpose behind a decision or action
Q2.If considering the theme of nature which poem would you choose to compare with 'Kamikaze'?
Q3.A concluding sentence should…
Q4.Topic sentences should...
Q5.It is useful to consider the similarities between poems and then consider on any subtle between them.
Q6.What group might the following poems belong to? 'Charge of the Light Brigade', 'Bayonet Charge' and 'Exposure'.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Comparing 'Power and Conflict' war poems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Comparing 'Power and Conflict' war poems, 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' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.