social system based on hierarchical divisions, often associated with occupation and status

having ancestry from two distinct cultural or ethnic backgrounds

treating serious issues with inappropriate humour, often to entertain or provoke amusement

expressing a disrespectful or negative attitude, often aimed at a person or group

Understanding the poem ‘Half-caste’ by John Agard

English

In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of power and conflict. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

In 'A World at War: Poetry', pupils explore how poets present the atrocities of World War One through their poetry. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different wars have been presented through poetry.

Poetry anthology: first study

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

when people play certain societal roles because of how they were brought up

the shared qualities/aspects across different cultures

social system based on hierarchical divisions associated with occupation/status

expressing praise, admiration, or approval

expressing a disrespectful or negative attitude, often aimed at a person/group

forming opinions or criticisms about others, lacking a full understanding

treating serious issues with inappropriate humour, often to entertain

It suggests that there is something hierarchical about race/heritage.

It suggests that people are pretending to be a part of a particular culture.

It gives the impression that someone's identity is incomplete.

It suggests that mixed race people should choose between their two identities. 

How could the term 'half-caste' have derogatory connotations?

Agard has used lots of words borrowed from other languages.

Agard has used phonetic spellings to emphasise the speaker's Caribbean dialect.

Agard has intentionally spelled some words incorrectly.

Agard uses many homophones to highlight the complexity of the English language.

What is interesting about the spellings in the poem 'Half-caste' by John Agard?

This poem explores the speaker's conflict with people who say 'half-caste'.

This poem explores the speaker's inner conflict about their dual heritage.

This poem explores how life would be easier if everyone spoke the same language.

This poem explores how difference and diversity are things to be feared.

Which of these interpretations of the poem 'Half-caste' is most accurate?

In 'Half-caste', Agard plays on the negative meaning of 'half-caste, listing aspects of culture that are more beautiful because they consist of a combination of elements. We could argue he is being...

It refers to someone who moved from their home country shortly after birth.

It refers to someone whose parents each have two different racial backgrounds.

It refers to a society that was formed by combining different ethnicities.

It refers to a group of people who are all from different ethnic backgrounds.

polished, precise style used in professional or academic settings

specialised terminology or jargon specific to a particular field or discipline

relaxed, casual style of communication, often used in everyday conversation

figurative speech using metaphor to convey abstract ideas or comparisons

acting with freedom to make choices, not based on prejudice or bias

unfair treatment based on characteristics like race, gender or religion

forced absence from one's home or country, typically due to political reasons

a difference or inconsistency, not related to unfair treatment or prejudice

a poem based on an picture or other piece of artwork

the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning

attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or abstract concepts

descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures

words or phrases that all link to a particular topic or theme

words/pronunciations specific to a certain regional or social group

using two opposite ideas to explore their shared characteristics

dividing something into two or more parts to explore it fully

following conventional spelling rules without adjustments for pronunciation

artistic handwriting or lettering, emphasising aesthetic form over accuracy

to use spellings from other languages for English words we have borrowed

spelling words based on their pronunciation rather than their standard spelling

What does it mean to write something phonetically?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz