being able to cope, withstand and recover from difficult physical or mental challenges

to treat someone, or a group of people, unfairly

non-literal words and phrases which develop a writer's meaning

Exploring Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’

English

In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils study a body of work by a single poet, in order to explore what makes her style and voice unique, giving Angelou her identity as a writer. In the second  Power and Conflict Poetry unit, pupils study the identity cluster of poems, including works by Agard, Dharker and Rumens, all of which use poetic voice to explore questions about personal identity.

In 'Poetry about Place and Home', pupils use spoken word poetry to explore their relationship to the city that they live in. In 'Single Poet Study: Maya Angelou', pupils explore how spoken word poetry can be used to express personal and political views. 

In this unit, pupils read and discover the work of Maya Angelou. They explore some of Angelou's most famous poems, such as 'Caged Bird' and 'Still I Rise', and practise writing and performing poems inspired by her work. As the unit develops, pupils find their own distinctive poetic voice.

Single poet study: Maya Angelou

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

One of Maya Angelou's poems is called '{{ }} I Rise' ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

What is the refrain of Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise'? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

in 1978, in a collection entitled 'Phenomenal Woman'

in 1978, in a collection entitled 'And Still I Rise'

in 1978, in a collection entitled 'Equality'

How was 'Still I Rise' first published? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

In 'Still I Rise', what are some of the things the speaker compares herself through use of similes? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

The speaker will rise, just as dust rises, even when oppressed.

The speaker asks if we're "upset" by her confidence; compares herself to "sun".

The speaker asks why we want to break her spirit.

The speaker feels rich and valuable, even when people try to oppress her.

The speaker makes reference to her body and its beauty.

The speaker references the history of slavery but she will “rise” above it.

Starting with the first, put what the speaker says in 'Still I Rise' in chronological order? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

I am tenacity because I finished all my homework.

I completed the race, even though it was long, showing my tenacity.

Tenacity is a positive attribute – it shows perseverance and strength.

I can't wait to be given tenacity when I grow up.

Which of these sentences use the word tenacious (or its forms) correctly? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

One of Maya Angelou's poems is called 'Phenomenal {{ }}' ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

non-literal words and phrases which help a writer develop meaning

a method of comparison using 'like' or 'as'

a question asked for dramatic effect rather than requiring an answer

a repeated line or set of lines in a poem or song

Match each of these terms to their definitions ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

being able to cope, withstand and recover from difficulty

Match these words to their definitions ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou').

I tried to blend into the background, chameleon-like. 

Which of these sentences are similes? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

What is the opposite of figurative language? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

'Phenomenal Woman' was first published in a collection of 32 poems (all by Angelou) called …? ('Single poet study: Maya Angelou')

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet