Comparing the poets' presentations of nature in the Eduqas anthology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare the ways in which different poets present nature.
Key learning points
- Some of the poems’ subject is nature, others use nature as a vehicle for the exploration of human emotion.
- Comparing poems that explore the same theme in a different way can make for an interesting comparison.
- Comparative conjunctions should be used to compare language, form and structure of poems.
- Your comparison can explore the similar methods that poets use to convey their perspectives or ideas.
- For example, some of the poets on the anthology use seasonal transitions as a metaphor for human emotion.
Keywords
Transition - a change or shift from one thing into another
Reflective - deeply thoughtful
Serenity - being calm, peaceful and untroubled
Common misconception
Students might not realise that they can talk about how the theme of nature is used in a poem, as well as how it is presented.
Keats and Dickinson both use the theme of nature as a vehicle to explore human emotion. Here, the theme of nature is used almost as a method in the poems.
Teacher tip
You could set the essay students are planning in Task B in Learning Cycle 2 for homework or as an extension task.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following poems explore the theme of nature in the Eduqas poetry anthology?
Q2.What might the word 'serenity' mean?
Q3.Complete the quotation from Wordsworth's 'The Prelude': "So through the darkness and the cold we ".
Q4.What is 'natural imagery'?
Q5.What does the phrase 'using something as a vehicle' mean?
Q6.Match the poem up to the correct summary of it.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the correct definition for the word 'transition'?
Q2.How might you describe the tone used in Dickinson's poem 'As Imperceptibly as Grief'?
Q3.Which of the following makes a great comparative topic sentence?
Q4.What similar method do Heaney and Wordsworth use in their poems 'Death of a Naturalist' and 'The Prelude'?
Q5.What similar method do both Keats and Dickinson employ in their poems 'To Autumn' and 'As Imperceptibly as Grief'?
Q6.Here is an example thesis statement: In the poem, the poet illustrates the lack of dignity in dying at war, thereby portraying the brutal reality of war.' How could we improve this thesis statement?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Comparing the poets' presentations of nature in the Eduqas anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Comparing the poets' presentations of nature in the Eduqas 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 Poetry anthology (Assessment until summer 2026) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.