New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Zooming in on words in unseen poetry

I can analyse the effects of specific word choices in poetry.

New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Zooming in on words in unseen poetry

I can analyse the effects of specific word choices in poetry.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A semantic field is a group of words that all link to the same theme or idea.
  2. Before exploring the wider effects, explain the different connotations of individual words in the poem.
  3. Exploring methods such as similes or euphony can help develop your analysis of the effects of word choices.

Common misconception

That you should consider the bigger picture of a text rather than minute detail.

Zooming in on individual words is a powerful analytical tool that allows you to see patterns in meaning.

Keywords

  • Plosive - sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like 'p', 'b', 'g', or 't'

  • Euphony - the combining of words or sounds that sound pleasant together

  • Connotations - a feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning

  • Semantic field - a group of words that all link to the same theme or idea

  • Volatile - likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially by getting worse

It might be useful to share the ideas from Task A as a whole group to see the potential differences in ideas.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
'A group of words that all link to the same theme or idea' is the definition of ...
Correct answer: semantic field.
sibilance.
simile.
Q2.
'A feeling or idea that is suggested by a word in addition to its basic meaning' is the definition of ...
Correct Answer: connotation
Q3.
The words "guns", "bullets", and "trigger" all suggest ...
lethargy.
passion.
Correct answer: ferocity.
nostalgia.
Q4.
Which of the following groups of words form a semantic field?
"mobile", "pellet", "wounded"
Correct answer: "tongue", "kiss", "heart"
"boot", "knees", "twirl"
Q5.
A figure of speech that involves comparing two unlike things using the words "like" or "as" is a ...
Correct Answer: simile
Q6.
The word "fumble" means which of the following?
do or handle something carefully
Correct answer: do or handle something clumsily
do or handle something confidently

6 Questions

Q1.
'Likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially by getting worse' is the definition of ...
stable.
Correct answer: volatile.
constant.
violence.
Q2.
'The combining of words or sounds that sound pleasant together' is the definition of ...
Correct Answer: euphony, euphonic
Q3.
The words "trigger", "bullet", and "blast" are connected by sounds.
fricative
sibilant
Correct answer: plosive
euphonic
Q4.
Which of the following words in Duffy's 'Quickdraw' suggest a sense of disorientation?
Correct answer: "twirl"
"groan"
Correct answer: "fumble"
"concealed"
Q5.
In 'Quickdraw', Duffy compares a "kiss" to ...
"guns"
a "blast"
"phones"
Correct answer: "bullets"
Q6.
The long vowel sound in "wounded" in Duffy's 'Quickdraw' could relate to which of the following ideas?
Correct answer: The duality of pleasure and pain.
Correct answer: The long-term emotional effects of the relationship.
The potential for volatility in the relationship.

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