Comparing how poets explore relationships in the Eduqas anthology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the differences between different presentations of love explored in the anthology.
Key learning points
- You can highlight the key similarities between poems, but also explore their subtle differences (and vice versa).
- Asking yourself questions about the poems, such as ‘how do the poets feel about X?' is useful when planning comparisons.
- Comparative connectives are useful for highlighting similarities and/or differences between poems.
- You should select your evidence carefully, by evaluating which quotations best support your argument.
- Relevant context must be included in your comparison - think about the reasons for the poets’ different perspectives.
Keywords
Idealistic - having unrealistic expectations
Unconventional - not conforming to what is usually or typically done or expected
Subtle - something so precise that it is difficult to notice
Mundane - very ordinary and therefore not very exciting
Common misconception
Students think that they can only discuss the similarities OR the differences between poems.
Though they should approach the comparison by identifying key or significant similarities or difference, within that, they can also explore the subtle variations between poems too.
Teacher tip
You could plan the response as a class and then set students off to write their responses independently if you feel that your students would benefit from practising writing analytical responses.
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.When we two poems, we look at the similarities and differences between them.
Q2.Comparative connectives signpost when we are comparing. Identify the comparative connectives.
Q3.Dove's 'Cozy Apologia' mocks __________ expressions of love.
Q4.Duffy's 'Valentine' is an presentation of love.
Q5.Barrett Browning's 'Sonnet 43' presents __________ view of love.
Q6.To look at subtle differences and similarities when comparing poetry means ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
Q2.A thesis statement...
Q3.When writing analytically your context must be to the point you're making.
Q4.What's the impact of choosing poorly selected evidence?
Q5.Well chosen evidence should...
Q6.Choosing the best evidence involves you it. You have to weigh up which you think best supports the point you're making.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Comparing how poets explore relationships in the Eduqas anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Comparing how poets explore relationships 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.