exploitative behaviour aimed at taking advantage of others

something or someone that affects others' behaviours, decisions, or beliefs

societal norms dictating appropriate behaviours for different genders

disagreements and struggles within a society

a social system dominated by men, with power centred around male authority

Understanding the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti

English

In 'Edexcel Belonging Poetry continued', pupils used a range of reading skills to aid the supported decoding of challenging poems. In 'Unseen Poetry', pupils use these reading skills to decode texts with independence. 

In 'Edexcel Belonging Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of culture and belonging. In 'Edexcel Belonging Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons focusing on the final three poems: *Poppies*, *Catrin* and *Cousin Kate*..

Poetry anthology: continued 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

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

showing kindness and empathy towards others

consistently adhering to rules, principles or routines

possessing a compelling charm or attractiveness

a social system dominated by women, with power centered around female authority

a social system dominated by men, with power centered around male authority

a social system dominated by faith, with power centered around religious leaders

a social system dominated by money, with power centered around the upper classes

The speaker introduces herself and explains how she met a nobleman.

The speaker describes how he tempted her and corrupted her innocence.

She addresses her cousin, Kate who met and married the nobleman.

Kate's purity has secured her wealth, status happiness and popularity.

She then compares their love for the nobleman, suggesting Kate wants his money.

Starting with the first, put these events from 'Cousin Kate' in chronological order.

she has been secretly having an affair with the nobleman behind Kate's back

she isn't willing give up and will continue trying to win back the nobleman

she has given birth to the nobleman's son

What does the speaker reveal about herself in the final stanza of 'Cousin Kate'?

sad because he reminds her of the nobleman

ashamed because he is the product of an illicit affair

worried that the nobleman will take away her son if he finds out about him

How does the speaker feel about her son in 'Cousin Kate'?

In the poem 'Cousin Kate', the speaker is frustrated with her cousin, Kate. This is an example of ...

the language and methods most commonly used by a writer

the background, environment and circumstances that inform the meaning of a text

the type of text it is (e.g. romance, horror)

Which of the following words are conjunctions?

supporting material for claims or arguments in a text or discussion

drawing conclusions from evidence, reasoning or context within a text

circumstances, background or setting that influences understanding of a text

central argument or main claim of an analytical response

uneven distribution of resources, opportunities or treatment among individuals 

fairness in treatment, rights or opportunities for all individuals

forced removal from one's homeland or society, often as a punishment

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Understanding the poem 'Cousin Kate' by Christina Rossetti

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.