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      Planning a written response on the AQA Worlds and Lives anthology

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can conceptualise and plan a comparative response to ‘How do poets present ideas about migration in two poems from the Worlds and Lives anthology?’

      Key learning points

      1. The anthology poems all arguably consider our connection and place within the wider world.
      2. The poems that you choose to compare should both be linked to the focus and nuances of the question you are asked.
      3. It is useful to consider the similarities between poems and then consider on any subtle differences between them.
      4. 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

      • Conceptualise - to form an idea or principle in your mind

      Common misconception

      You should always write about the poem you know best.

      You should write about the two poems that form the best complementary pairing for the question.

      Teacher tip

      You could give the students one of the poems in Task C if you would like them to focus on a particular poem.

      Equipment

      You will need access to a copy of the AQA World and Lives anthology for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      When we compare we look for...

      similarities only
      differences only
      Correct answer: both similarities and differences

      Q2.
      What key themes does the poem 'Name Journeys' by Raman Mundair include?

      Correct answer: identity
      Correct answer: migration
      nature

      Q3.
      Which other poem in the anthology would compare well with 'Lines Written in Early Spring' as it explores human's connection with nature?

      Correct answer: ‘Shall earth no more inspire thee’
      ‘Homing’
      ‘England in 1819’

      Q4.
      Starting with the first, put the following sections of a multiple paragraph outline in chronological order.

      1 - thesis statement
      2 - topic sentence
      3 - supporting detail
      4 - concluding sentence
      5 - conclusion

      Q5.
      What is the role of a thesis statement?

      Correct answer: to outline the argument of whole essay
      to outline the arguments of each paragraph
      to summarise the argument in each paragraph
      to give a conclusive summary of the writer’s message

      Q6.
      If something is nuanced it is...

      showing something supports something else
      Correct answer: showing a slight difference in meaning
      showing an obvious difference between two things

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords with their definitions.

      Correct Answer:complement,when something supports something else or makes it more effective

      when something supports something else or makes it more effective

      Correct Answer:contrast ,an obvious difference between two things

      an obvious difference between two things

      Correct Answer:intention,the reason or purpose behind a decision or action

      the reason or purpose behind a decision or action

      Q2.
      Match the key elements of a multiple paragraph outline with their function.

      Correct Answer:thesis,outline argument of whole essay

      outline argument of whole essay

      Correct Answer:topic sentence,outline arguments of each paragraph

      outline arguments of each paragraph

      Correct Answer:supporting detail,key language, form, structure or contextual detail

      key language, form, structure or contextual detail

      Correct Answer:concluding sentence,summarise argument in each paragraph

      summarise argument in each paragraph

      Correct Answer:conclusion,conclusive summary of the writer’s message

      conclusive summary of the writer’s message

      Q3.
      If considering the theme of change and revolution, which poem would you choose to compare with 'England in 1819'?

      ‘Name Journeys’
      Correct answer: ‘A Century Later’
      ‘On an Afternoon Train’

      Q4.
      A concluding sentence should…

      rephrase the topic sentence.
      give your opinion about the poem.
      Correct answer: have a sharp focus on the writer’s purpose.

      Q5.
      Topic sentences should...

      Correct answer: outline arguments in each paragraph
      include contextual detail
      Correct answer: include key question vocabulary

      Q6.
      It is useful to consider the similarities between poems and then consider on any subtle between them.

      Correct Answer: differences

      To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Planning a written response on the AQA Worlds and Lives anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...