New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Analysing use of sound in an unseen poem

I can explain and understand the use of sound in an unseen poem.

New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Analysing use of sound in an unseen poem

I can explain and understand the use of sound in an unseen poem.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. When considering sounds in an unseen poem, you might ask what emotion the sound makes you feel.
  2. You also might ask whether the poet has used techniques such as onomatopoeia or sibilance.
  3. Arguably, onomatopoeia immerses the reader in the poem and makes them feel as if they are experiencing it.
  4. Duffy may be using sounds in order to create a warm environment where the reader feels at home.

Keywords

  • Abrupt - sudden or unexpected

  • Tense - nervous and worried and unable to relax

  • Elongating - to become or make something become longer

  • Harmony - having a pleasant tune or harmony

  • Immerse - to become completely involved in something

Common misconception

That sibilance only creates a sinister atmosphere.

Sibilance can also create a soothing atmosphere.

It might be useful to have the pupils share their ideas around which sounds they would use to prime them to read the poem.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Safe Sounds’ which is available in the additional materials.

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).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Using words that imitate the natural sound associated with their meaning is the technique...
alliteration
Correct answer: onomatopoeia
rhyme
Q2.
A harmonious sound is one which is ...
disruptive
discordant
Correct answer: pleasant
energetic
Q3.
The repetition of 's' sounds in nearby words is known as .
Correct Answer: sibilance
Q4.
An abrupt sound means one that is ...
Correct answer: sudden
loud
anticipated
Q5.
Sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like 'p', 'd', 'b' or 't' are known as __________ sounds.
fricative
euphonic
liquid
Correct answer: plosive
Q6.
Euphonic sounds are __________ sounds.
Correct answer: pleasing
sinister
abrupt

6 Questions

Q1.
Feeling nervous and worried and unable to relax means you are feeling .
Correct Answer: tense
Q2.
Arguably, Duffy's 'Safe Sounds' largely uses sounds that create which of the following environments?
Correct answer: familiar
Correct answer: peaceful
tense
unexpected
Q3.
'To become completely involved in something' is the definition of .
Correct Answer: immerse, immersed
Q4.
Which of the following techniques elongates words?
plosive sounds
fricative sounds
Correct answer: euphonic sounds
Q5.
Which one of the following techniques could be interpreted as adding a ghostly quality to a text?
Correct answer: fricative sounds
plosive sounds
euphonic sounds
Q6.
Duffy's title 'Safe Sounds' uses sibilance and sounds to create a warm opening to the poem.
Correct Answer: euphonic, euphony

Additional material

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