Analysing the poem ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Casey uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint about social class.
Key learning points
- The poem is written in a deliberately colloquial manner to reflect the pride in Casey's roots.
- Rhetorical questions are used to force the reader to challenge their own prejudices.
- Contrasting images are used throughout the poem to contrast the differences between the social classes.
- The rhyming couplets used create a teasing tone and Casey does not take herself too seriously.
- Humour is used to soften the sense of conflict.
Keywords
Caricatures - exaggerated or distorted representations of people or things, often used for humour
Prejudice - preconceived opinions or attitudes towards a person or group, often based on stereotypes
Compelling - persuasive, convincing
Colloquial - language commonly used in everyday speech, often specific to a particular region or social group
Rhyming couplets - a pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length
Common misconception
Casey's playful tone makes light of class conflict.
While Casey uses a playful tone which does lighten the mood of the poem, her use of repeated rhetorical questions foregrounds her more serious message about class prejudice.
Teacher tip
You could encourage students to write their own poem, exploring the colloquialisms used by people in their local area.
Equipment
You need a copy of the Edexcel Poetry Anthology for this lesson to read ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey. We will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a rhetorical question?
Q2.What is slang?
Q3.Match up each of the social classes to the most appropriate definition.
unskilled or low-wage workers, least access to life opportunities
moderate income, 'white-collar jobs', some financial insecurity
substantial income and career, access to prestigious education
wealthy (usually inherited or business), lavish lifestyle, high status
Q4.'The Class Game' was written at the same time which UK Prime Minister assumed power?
Q5.What is a sociolect?
Q6.How does the speaker of 'The Class Game' feel about their working class roots?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a caricature?
Q2.Which of these quotations from 'A Class Game' is an example of colloquial language?
Q3.When using a single paragraph outline, what should you include in your concluding sentence?
Q4.Which of the following is a synonym for the word compelling?
Q5.Which poetic method is being described here? 'A pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length.'
Q6.Complete this sentence: 'When writing analytical responses, it is important to explore ...'
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘The Class Game’ by Mary Casey, 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 'Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.