- Year 11
- Edexcel
Understanding sub-text in unseen poems
I can unlock implied meanings, or sub-text, in poetry.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
- Year 11
- Edexcel
Understanding sub-text in unseen poems
I can unlock implied meanings, or sub-text, in poetry.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sub-text is the implicit meaning, rather than the explicit meaning.
- Understanding what symbols represent can help you to understand the deeper meaning of the poem.
- Personal possessions of loved ones can be used as symbols that represent the person.
- Understanding extended metaphors can help you to understand the sub-text of the poem.
Keywords
Sub-text - the implicit meaning of a text—the underlying message that is not explicitly stated or shown
Deeper meaning - an abstract or hidden meaning behind something
Symbol - the use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas
Metaphorical - not having real existence but representing some truth about a situation or other subject
Significance - the quality of being worthy of attention; importance
Common misconception
That you should take imagery at face value.
Imagery in poetry is often metaphorical and symbolises a deeper meaning.
To help you plan your year 11 English lesson on: Understanding sub-text in unseen poems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 English lesson on: Understanding sub-text in unseen 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.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Unseen poetry unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need a copy of 'Handbag' by Ruth Fainlight and 'Poppies' by Jane Weir. Both are available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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