Planning a written response on the Eduqas poetry anthology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can conceptualise and plan a comparative response on how two poems present the theme of love.
Key learning points
- The poems that you choose to compare should both be linked to the focus and nuances of the question you are asked.
- It is useful to consider the similarities between poems and then consider any subtle differences between them.
- Thesis statements help you to refine your argument and give you a point of reference to return to as you write.
- Evidence should be selected judiciously - it is important to choose the quotation that best supports your argument.
Keywords
Nuance - a small detail that shows careful thought and helps you see more than one side of something
Judicious - exercising good judgement in a thoughtful and careful manner
Cohesive - In essays refers to all parts of your writing linking clearly and working well together.
Common misconception
The most effective comparisons only come from poems with the most obvious similarities.
Insightful comparisons can often emerge from contrasting poems. Exploring differences can uncover complexity and nuance, enriching analysis beyond what similarity alone can achieve.
Teacher tip
You may wish to tailor the question focus and poem selections to best suit the interests and learning needs of your own pupils.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following poems from the Eduqas anthology was written by Eve L. Ewing?
Q2.Which of the following poems from the Eduqas anthology traces the thoughts and feelings of someone waiting for a call from a lover?
Q3.Which poem uses a third-person perspective?
Q4.Which poem is the following quotation from: “How can the bird that is born for joy/Sit in a cage and sing.”
Q5.Which poem uses the metaphor of a "rope" to symbolise the binding and sometimes restrictive nature of maternal love?
Q6.Complete the quotation from the opening line of the poem 'Cousin Kate': "I was a cottage "
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following criteria makes for strong evidence?
Q2.Why wouldn't we choose this quotation for evidence: "I was a cottage maiden/Hardened by sun and air,/Contented with my cottage mates,/Not mindful I was fair."
Q3.Why can it be helpful to write your thesis statement before you start writing your full analytical response?
Q4.What does it mean for an essay to be cohesive?
Q5.Why might it be insightful to compare poems from different thematic clusters?
Q6.Which word beginning with 'n' can be described as: a small detail that shows careful thought and helps you see more than one side of something.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Planning a written response on the Eduqas poetry anthology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Planning a written response on the Eduqas poetry 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 from summer 2027) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.