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      Building analytical paragraphs about Edexcel's Belonging poetry

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can analyse a range of model answers to explore what makes an effective comparative analysis.

      Key learning points

      1. Topic sentences need to be clear, comparative and linked to the question.
      2. Relevant quotations from the text are used to justify arguments.
      3. Relevant contextual information can be used to develop arguments.
      4. Responses should focus on the intention of the writer to avoid re-telling the story of the poem.
      5. Comparative conjunctions should be used to compare key ideas as well as language, form and structure.

      Keywords

      • Compelling - strongly captures attention or interest, often persuading or captivating; hard to ignore

      • Diaspora - the dispersion of people from their homeland to multiple regions across the world

      • Comparative conjunctions - linking words used to compare similarities or differences

      • Topic sentence - a sentence expressing the main idea of a paragraph, guiding its focus

      • Context - information linked to text, shaping our interpretation of it (e.g. when/where it was published)

      Common misconception

      Context should be used in every paragraph of a comparative analytical response.

      While it is extremely important to use relevant contextual information to shape interpretations of the two poems being compared, it isn't necessary to include it in every paragraph unless it is relevant to the overall argument you are making.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson uses four of the anthology poems in the model answers: 'We Refugees', 'Island Man', 'My Mother's Kitchen' and 'I Remember, I Remember'. Feel free to edit the answers and poems selected based on the needs of your class.

      Equipment

      You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel Belonging 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

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      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the word 'accurate' mean?

      open to more than one interpretation, unclear or uncertain in meaning
      not correct or precise, containing errors or mistakes
      Correct answer: correct or precise, without errors or mistakes, reflecting truth or reality
      closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand

      Q2.
      What does 'judiciously' mean?

      without a specific pattern or purpose, happening by chance
      immediately or without delay, in a very short amount of time
      having a prejudice or inclination toward one side or viewpoint over others
      Correct answer: in a wise and careful manner, showing good judgement or discretion

      Q3.
      Which of these words are examples of comparative vocabulary?

      Correct answer: however
      never
      because
      Correct answer: both
      since

      Q4.
      When comparing two texts, the most effective responses will aim to ...

      choose one poem as a primary focus and mostly use evidence from this.
      analyse more than two poems - the more, the better.
      Correct answer: ensure a balanced argument by focusing on both poems equally.
      analyse both poems but only use evidence from one.

      Q5.
      When writing analytical paragraphs, it's a good idea to lead with ...

      a key quotation from each poem.
      some relevant wider contextual information.
      Correct answer: a comparison of key ideas or inferences from each poem.
      a sentence which shows that you've understood what happens in each poem.

      Q6.
      Context should be used ...

      in every single paragraph of your analysis.
      Correct answer: only when it is relevant to the current argument you are making.
      only for one of the poems.
      sparingly - it isn't very important to your analysis.

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the word 'compelling' mean?

      not interesting, containing errors or mistakes
      unclear or imprecise, lacking definite details or distinctness
      Correct answer: strongly captures attention or interest, often persuading or captivating

      Q2.
      What are comparative conjunctions used for?

      to show cause and effect
      Correct answer: to compare similarities or differences between texts
      to indicate a personal interpretation
      to indicate the start of a new paragraph

      Q3.
      In which of the these sentences is the word 'judiciously' used correctly?

      He judiciously ate a large meal before running a marathon.
      The child judiciously spent hours playing video games instead of studying.
      Correct answer: She judiciously allocated her time to prioritise tasks effectively.
      They judiciously drove recklessly through the busy city streets.

      Q4.
      When writing a comparative analysis between two poems, you should lead with ...

      a key quotation.
      an exploration of how each writer uses language.
      an exploration of how each writer uses form and structure.
      Correct answer: a comparison of key ideas in each poem.

      Q5.
      When including links to wider context, they should ...

      Correct answer: be written using tentative language.
      be chosen judiciously and copied accurately.
      Correct answer: only be used when relevant to your overall point.
      explore how and why the writer used language and structure in the way they did.

      Q6.
      Where should your topic sentence go in an analytical response?

      at the beginning of your response
      at the very end of your response
      Correct answer: at the beginning of every analytical paragraph
      just before you make a relevant point about the wider context

      To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Building analytical paragraphs about Edexcel's Belonging poetry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...