New
New
Lesson 13 of 20
  • 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 13 of 20
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.

Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

Copyrights help

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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.


To help you plan your year 11 English lesson on: Analysing use of sound in an unseen poem, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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 (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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