Making connections between the poems in the Edexcel Belonging anthology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make detailed and nuanced thematic connections between poems.
Key learning points
- Poems can be linked by theme e.g. identity, belonging.
- Poems can be linked by attitude, considering how the poet's feel about the subject they are addressing.
- Poems can be connected by how poets use similar imagery or techniques to address different issues.
- Correlative and comparative conjunctions are useful for signposting the similarities and differences between both texts.
- Comparatives can be used to evaluate the differences between attitudes or key ideas.
Keywords
Comparative conjunctions - words that link and contrast ideas, like 'but,' 'although', and 'whereas'
Correlative conjunctions - paired conjunctions like 'either/or' and 'neither/nor' that work together to join ideas
Comparatives - the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses a difference in amount, number, degree or quality
Thematic - related to the central subject or underlying message of a literary work
Subtle - not obvious; requiring careful attention to notice or understand
Common misconception
Effective comparative analysis leads by comparing the poets' use of literary methods.
The most effective comparative analysis writing should lead by comparing key ideas of attitudes in both poems.
Teacher tip
In the first learning cycle when students are asked to consider what both poets may say if they were in a room together, consider using 'hot-seating' to allow students to role play the poets, imagining what they may say to each other.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel GCSE Poetry Anthology ('Belonging' cluster).
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If two poems complement each other, this means ...
Q2.Which of these is an example of a thematic idea?
Q3.Which of these is an example of a comparative conjunction?
Q4.Which of the following are comparatives?
Q5.What does it mean to reminisce?
Q6.When comparing two poems, you should identify ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following sentences uses correlative conjunctions?
Q2.Which of the following sentences uses a comparative conjunction?
Q3.Which of the following sentences uses a comparative?
Q4.When comparing two poems, it's always best to begin each paragraph by comparing ...
Q5.Which of the following is a synonym for 'subtle'?
Q6.Analysis of methods could include the poets' use of ...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Making connections between the poems in the Edexcel Belonging anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Making connections between the poems in the Edexcel Belonging anthology, 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 Belonging poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.