Hi there.

It's great to see you today.

Welcome to a lesson on introductions and topic sentences for poetry comparisons.

I'm Miss Sutherland, and I'll be teaching you today.

Our learning outcome for today is to be able to structure an effective comparative argument with a well-crafted introduction and topic sentences.

So this is a really exciting lesson because it's a lesson in which we'll look at how to compare two poems from the Power and Conflict anthology.

And we have four key words.

They are succumb.

Succumb means giving way to the overwhelming power of another force.

So in "Ozymandias", the statute succumbs to the power of nature.

Condemn.

Condemn means to express complete disapproval of.

So, Shelley, and perhaps other romantic poets condemn powerful institutions who do not use their power for good.

Futility.

Futility means pointlessness or uselessness.

If something is futile, it is useless or pointless.

There is no point in doing it.

Incessant.

Incessant means something unpleasant continuing without pause or interruption.

I'll give you a moment to make a note of those keywords.

Pause the video and jot any of them down that you want to now.

Brilliant work.

So in today's lesson, we have three learning cycles.

We're going to start off by just exploring some similarities and differences between two of the poems from the anthology.

We are looking at "Ozymandias" and "London" today.

We're then going to look at how to write a comparative introduction.

So we're going to use all of the ideas we gathered in the first learning cycle to help us write our comparative introduction.

And then we are going to write our comparative topic sentences.

So that means we're going to be beginning to plan the bulk of the response through topic sentences.

So let's begin with identifying similarities and differences between "Ozymandias" and "London".

So, both "Ozymandias" and "London" explore power and or conflict.

Of course, they must, because they're both from the Power and Conflict anthology.

I now want you to discuss the texts and identify the key information below so we can start to think how they're similar and different.

Pause the video and discuss that key information in the table now.

Let's start off by looking at the writers of both poems. So "Ozymandias" was written by Percy Shelley, who was a romantic poet.

And William Blake was also, and "London" was written by William Blake, who was also a romantic poet.

So we could already see some similarities probably occurring between the two poems just because they are both romantic poems. And of course we know some of the romantic conventions such as aura of nature, rejection of powerful institutions, celebration of the individual, fascination with the past, et cetera.

The time periods.

"Ozymandias" was written in 1817.

So "Ozymandias" was written in the 19th century.

"London" was written between 1789 and 1794.

It was written in the 18th century.

But there are only approximately about 25 years between the writing of each poems. So we can assume that the writers live through some of the same historical events or movements or significant historical moments.

The form.

"Ozymandias" is a sonnet with subversions, and "London" is a dramatic monologue.

It's a rhyming poem, and it has four quatrains.

So, very different forms, and both poets select their forms to help them convey their messages.

So let's summarise "Ozymandias" then.

"Ozymandias" is about a crumbling statue that depicts a tyrannical and arrogant leader.

And in "London", a bleak walk around London reveals the oppression caused by corrupt institutions.

So here we have some similarities and differences between the two poems. That's a broad overview.

You need to go much more in depth for your comparative response.

This just helps you gather ideas.

So from a quick glance at the table, can you articulate how "Ozymandias" and "London" are similar on the theme of power? Pause video and discuss that now.

So we can see how both "London" and "Ozymandias" look at excess of power via authority figures or establishments.

And both poems explore the abuse of power.

So both poems look at what it means for rulers or institutions to use their power for the wrong reasons, or not use their power for good.

And of course, that ties to both poets being from the romantic movement because we know that romantic poets rejected powerful institutions and rejected imbalances of power.

In fact, both Shelley and Blake were what we call call advocates of social justice or social equality.

So now discuss, how does Shelley and Blake's status as romantic poets influence their presentation of power? Pause video and discuss now.

As romantic poets, both Shelley and Blake criticise those in powerful positions and how they abuse their power to the detriment of those weaker.

So we could say that both Shelley and Blake use their poems as social commentary, or ways to change society for the better.

Here are some words that might be applied to the presentation of power in "Ozymandias" and or "London".

We've got ephemeral, meaning lasting a short time.

We've got arrogance, which we know means to be very confident or have an exaggerated opinion of one's own self-worth.

We've got oppressed, which means lack of freedom, to be treated in a cruel way.

We have futile or futility, which means pointless or useless.

Domineering, which means to dominate over someone else.

And incessant, which means something unpleasant continuing for a long time.

So here are six words.

I want you to discuss which words apply to "Ozymandias", which to "London", and which to both.

Using these words in your discussion is really going to help elevate your response.

Pause the video and discuss now.

So we are going to delve into exactly how these words might apply to the poems in the next section of the lesson.

Let's explore the subtle differences between the two poem's presentation of power.

Because remember, comparison is not just about similarities, it's also about differences.

So similarity is that both poems expose the oppression of those weaker.

How does "Ozymandias" do that? And how does "London" do that? In "Ozymandias", oppression is suggested through the tyranny of a callous leader.

So "Ozymandias" very much focuses on the oppressor.

"London", however, shows oppression through the suffering present in every face.

It shows the suffering present in the citizens.

So in "London", Blake very much focuses on the oppressed rather than the oppressor.

Now let's look at how both poems differ in how they criticise the abuse of power.

What type of leadership does Shelley condemn in "Ozymandias"? And what type of institution does Blake criticise in "London"? And why? Pause video and discuss those two questions now.

In "Ozymandias", Shelley criticises arrogant tyrannical leaders.

And of course, this is based on Ramesses II, the Egyptian pharaoh.

In "London", Blake criticises corrupt institutions that perpetuate suffering in those most vulnerable.

So you'll remember, in "London", it's the monarchy, government, and religion that are criticised.

So Blake focuses more on institutions whilst Shelley focuses more on the individual.

Let's check your understanding of what we've talked about.

What is a similarity between "Ozymandias" and "London"? Both criticise the church, both advocate for human power, both depict a tyrannous leader or both criticise the abuse of power.

Pause video and have a think now.

Well done if you said both "Ozymandias" and "London" criticise the abuse of power.

Let's go through the other answers and why they're incorrect.

A, only "London" criticises the church.

B, none of the poems advocate for human power.

And C, only "Ozymandias" depicts a tyrannous leader.

Well done if you got that right.

You are now going to complete the Venn diagram to explore the subtle differences between the presentation of power in the two poems. So the similarity in the middle is both poems advocate for an end to oppressive power.

How does "Ozymandias" achieve that? And how does "London" achieve that? Your top tip is to try and use the words ephemeral and incessant to show the differences in the longevity of power in both poems. Pause the video and have a go at that task now.

Here are some ideas.

So both "Ozymandias" and "London" advocate for an end to oppressive power.

So this means both poems support the idea of oppression being ceased, or people essentially being free.

"Ozymandias" suggests institutional power is ephemeral because it eventually succumbed to nature.

So we see there how Shelley advocates for an end to oppressive power because he mocks the pride and vanity of Ozymandias in thinking his power would last forever.

Of course it doesn't.

And Shelley's message is that human power does not last forever, and we should be humble to nature.

In "London", Blake suggests that oppressive power is incessant unless citizens emancipate themselves.

So in "London", Blake isn't saying that nature will wash away all of human power.

Blake is actually saying that people, Blake is actually saying that powerful institutions will retain that power and oppression will continue unless people decide to make that decision in which they free themselves.

So we can see how both poets want freedom.

Both poets advocate for freedom, but they do it in very different ways.

Shelley suggests that freedom will come as nature prevails.

And Blake suggests that freedom will come if we open our eyes to our own suffering or if we rebel against authority.

Let's move on to our second learning cycle where we'll look at how to write the comparative introduction.

An introduction moves from the general to the specific.

Here's an example of that.

The first thing you'll write is a sentence about both poets or both poems exploring an overarching similarity.

So that's looking at a general idea.

The next thing in your introduction will be a narrowing down on the similarities in both poems in relation to the big ideas.

So this is where you might want to look at how exactly the poems are similar and on which particular theme.

And lastly, your introduction will end with a specific thesis.

And this must explore the nuance differences between the poems on that same theme.

So you can see here how your introduction will start talking about general ideas and will end with more specific ideas.

Let's check your understanding.

A comparative introduction should begin with.

Pause the video and have a think.

Well done if you said a comparative introduction should begin with a sentence about both poems or poets exploring an overarching similarity.

Now let's read this example introduction for a comparative essay on "Ozymandias" and "London".

Both Shelley and Blake, as romantic poets, rejected institutions that claimed absolute power over ordinary man, thus both their poems criticise social inequality in society.

More specifically, the poems expose and criticise those who abuse their power and oppress others.

While Shelley criticises and mocks arrogant and tyrannical leadership in "Ozymandias", Blake shows contempt for corrupt institutions that perpetuated suffering in society.

Let's break this introduction down into three sections to show you how it's been written.

The first sentence is a general sentence about both poems in relation to power and or conflict.

So we have the fact.

So in the first sentence, we've talked about how Shelley and Blake are both romantic poets and we've talked about what they disliked and what they wanted to criticise.

The second sentence is where we narrow down on the similarities in both poems. So we talk about how both poems criticise the abuse of power and oppression.

And lastly, we've got a specific thesis.

We've looked at nuanced differences between the poems. So Shelley mocks arrogant and tyrannical leadership, but Blake shows contempt for corrupt institutions that perpetuate suffering.

So we can see here how the thesis still retains that similarity between the poems, but talks about how they explore that similarity in slightly different ways.

Let's check your understanding now.

What should a comparative thesis statement do? Pause video and have a think.

A comparative thesis statement should discuss a nuanced difference between the two poems. Remember, the thesis statement comes at the end of the introduction.

It needs to explore the more specific ideas.

Therefore, it needs to explore the nuanced differences between the two poems. You are now going to write your own comparative introduction by following each step in the table.

The first step is to create a general sentence that addresses both poems. So for example, both Blake and Shelley were romantic poets concerned with social equality who often use poetry to express views on social justice.

So remember that section is where you explore the maybe similarities between the poets and their attitudes, but also overarching similarities between the poems. The next sentence of your introduction will be where you add a further sentence to expand on similarities.

So you might want to use correlative conjunctions here, like both, and.

You also might want to use vocabulary such as oppression, abuse, and corruption, because those are words that could link to both poems. And lastly, you'll want to write a thesis statement which explores nuance differences.

In this section, start your thesis with a comparative conjunction.

So you might wanna say whilst, whereas, however.

Pause the video and write your comparative introduction now.

Excellent effort there.

A comparative introduction can be a tricky thing to get your head around 'cause we've got to look at two texts, not just one.

Let's look at Izzy's response.

Izzy wrote, "Both Shelley and Blake were critical "of human and institutional power "and believed that nature superseded "all other forms of power.

"Both poems explore the abuse "of corrupt institutions and leaders.

""Ozymandias" explores the arrogant Ramesses II, "while "London" explores the irresponsible institutions "such as the church and monarchy." I want you to discuss what has Izzy done well and what could she improve on? Remember the three part structure of an introduction.

Pause the video and discuss.

Izzy has moved from the general to the specific in her introduction.

She also uses keywords such as abuse, corrupt, and links the poems to the big ideas of power.

However, whilst Izzy's opening statement is correct, Izzy should ensure her opening statement links to the specific poems in question.

It is true that both romantic poets believed in the power of nature, but this needs to be made relevant to both "Ozymandias" and "London".

Another thing that Izzy does is she repeats the word explores.

Perhaps Izzy could use some different types of evaluative verbs to talk about the writer's purposes to make her introduction a little bit more critical.

Now, I want you to reread your own introduction.

First of all, ensure every sentence links to the poems in question.

Secondly, use powerful evaluative verbs to talk about the poet's message or intentions, like criticises, admonishes, advocates or exposes.

Pause the video, reread your work, and edit accordingly now.

Great effort there everyone.

Let's go to our last learning cycle where we'll learn how to write comparative topic sentences.

A topic sentence will introduce the main idea of your paragraph.

For example, "Ozymandias" explores leaders abuse of power.

A comparative topic sentence will give either a similarity or a difference.

So for example, both "Ozymandias" and "London" explore how institutions and individuals abuse their power to the detriment of society.

Notice here I'm giving a similarity in my topic sentence because I need to compare two things.

Here are two types of conjunction you can use when writing comparative topic sentences.

You can use comparative conjunctions to show a difference.

You can also use correlative conjunctions.

These are words that work together to express a similarity.

Comparative conjunctions can be used to compare ideas in a sentence and show similarities and differences.

So let's take a look now.

So usually, when we are using comparative conjunctions, we'll have an idea, we'll have our comparison conjunction, and we'll have a second idea.

So let's have a look.

"Ozymandias" exposes the oppression of ordinary man through depiction of tyrannical leadership.

"London" exposes oppression through the incessant suffering of the citizens of London.

We could link those two ideas with the comparative conjunction however or contrastingly.

So all together, that reads, "Ozymandias" exposes the oppression of ordinary man through depiction of tyrannical leadership.

Contrastingly, in "London", Blake exposes oppression through the incessant suffering of the citizens.

Now that is a topic sentence that makes sense and explores a difference between two poems. Here's another example.

In "Ozymandias", Shelley criticises an arrogant and tyrannical leader.

In "London".

Blake shows contempt for corrupt institutions.

We could link those with a comparative conjunction whereas or on the other hand.

And that may read like "Ozymandias" exposes the oppression of ordinary man through depiction of arrogant and tyrannical leadership.

Whereas, "London" exposes oppression through contempt for corrupt institutions.

Now let's check your understanding.

Which of the two statements use comparative conjunctions to create a comparative topic sentence? Pause video and have a think now.

Well done if you said A and B use comparative conjunctions to create a comparative topic sentence.

In A, contrastingly is the comparative conjunction.

And in B, however is the comparative conjunction.

Let's move on to looking at corelative conjunctions.

Corelative conjunctions are useful for expressing similarities between texts.

Let's have a look.

A similarity between "Ozymandias" and "London" is that both poets explore the corrupting effect of power.

Let's try and use correlative conjunctions to make this a topic sentence.

We could say both Shelley and Blake explore the corrupting effect of power.

The correlative conjunctions here are both an and.

So the sentence reads, both Shelley and Blake explore the corrupting effect of power.

Correlative conjunctions come in pairs.

Let's take a look at another example.

Shelley and Blake advocate for institutional power.

So we've got an idea that Shelley and Blake advocate for institutional power, but we know that neither Shelley nor Blake advocate for institutional power.

So we are using corelative conjunctions neither and nor to show how both of these poets do not agree with institutional power.

Select the sentence now which uses correlative conjunctions.

Pause the video and answer that question.

The last sentence uses correlative conjunctions.

Just as humans are controlled in "London", so is nature.

So the correlative conjunctions there are just as and so.

Remember, correlative conjunctions come in pairs.

Your final task for today is to write two comparative topic sentences using conjunctions.

Use the sentence starters and key ideas to help you.

So you've got comparative conjunctions listed for you.

You've got correlative conjunctions listed for you.

And you've got some key ideas listed for you.

Here are some sentence starters.

Here's an example of a topic sentence using comparative conjunctions.

And here's an example of a topic sentence using correlative conjunctions.

Pause the video and write your two comparative topic sentences focusing on "London" and "Ozymandias" and how they present power.

Pause the video and off you go.

Let's go through a possible answer.

So this is Laura.

Laura wrote, "Whereas "Ozymandias" is written "in a subverted sonnet form, ""London" has a repetitive structure with four quatrains.

"Both poets use form and structure to add meaning." So let's dissect Laura's answer.

Laura used comparative conjunctions correctly to show differences and similarities.

So Laura used the word whereas, which is a comparative conjunction, and she used both and and, which is a correlative conjunction.

But what could Laura do to improve her topic sentence in terms of content? Pause the video and discuss that with your partner now.

Laura compared the poet's methods in her topic sentence.

Topic sentences should lead with big ideas in relation to the question focus to ensure a meaningful comparison.

So Laura ought to have spoken about power, because that's a big idea.

And that's what the question asked her about.

Distinctions regarding form and structure can be discussed later in the paragraph.

In fact, discussions about form and structure should be used to support topic sentences.

Now I want you to reread your own work.

Did you compare methods or techniques in your topic sentences? Edit your work so that your topic sentences lead with big ideas.

Pause the video and self assess.

Excellent.

You've worked brilliantly today.

Let's go through what we've learned.

A comparative introduction should give a broad similarity in theme and nuanced differences within that similarity.

A purposeful introduction should refer to the poet's intentions or messages behind the common theme.

Use comparative and correlative conjunctions to structure introductions and topic sentences.

And topic sentences should lead with big ideas, not the poet's methods.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

I hope you've learned a lot about how to begin comparing poems from the Power and Conflict anthology.

I hope you are more confident approaching your writing tasks now.

I hope to see you for another lesson very soon where we'll develop even more of our skills together.