New
New
Year 6

Exploring imagery in 'Eastbourne' by Joseph Coelho

I can describe some of the key imagery used in a poem depicting a coastal setting.

New
New
Year 6

Exploring imagery in 'Eastbourne' by Joseph Coelho

I can describe some of the key imagery used in a poem depicting a coastal setting.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. ‘Eastbourne’ was written by Joseph Coelho; it describes a walk that the poet/speaker takes along a pebbly beach.
  2. Eastbourne is a Victorian resort town on England’s southeast coast.
  3. In the poem, Coelho uses vivid imagery to describe the setting to the reader or listener.
  4. The use of positive imagery creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere as the poet/speaker reflects on their day.

Keywords

  • Imagery - the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience for the reader or listener

  • Atmosphere - the feeling or mood created in a section or whole of a text

  • Visual - relating to the sense of sight

  • Aural - relating to the sense of hearing

  • Tactile - relating to the sense of touch

Common misconception

Pupils may not understand abstract imagery.

It may be useful to discuss abstract nouns before the session. Abstract imagery can be defined as descriptions that evoke ideas, emotions or concepts rather than concrete, physical objects.

To better contextualise the setting, you may wish to show pupils a reading of the poem at its location. This can be found freely available online on the author's website.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You need a copy of the poem ‘Eastbourne’ which is featured in the 2017 Otter-Barry Books edition of ‘Overheard in a Tower Block’ written by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Kate Milner for this lesson.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a suitable definition of a simile?
the overall structure or organisation of a poem
Correct answer: a poetic device that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'
a way of describing and comparing something by saying that it is something else
Q2.
What is a suitable definition of a metaphor?
the overall structure or organisation of a poem
Correct answer: a way of describing and comparing something by saying that it is something else
the feeling or atmosphere in the poem
Q3.
What is a suitable definition of personification?
a poetic device that uses words that imitate or suggest the sound they describe
drawing conclusions or making interpretations based on clues
Correct answer: a way of describing a non-living thing as if it acts or feels like a human
Q4.
Which of the following are visual descriptions?
Correct answer: colourful beach huts line the shore
echoes of street performers' music
cool sea breeze against skin
Correct answer: white cliffs overlooking the sparkling sea
Q5.
Which of the following are aural descriptions?
glittering lights of the pier at night
Correct answer: seagulls cawing in the distance
crisp sea spray on the face
Correct answer: cafés bustling with chatter
Q6.
Which of these is a tactile description?
Correct answer: soft sand between toes on the beach
whispers of wind through palm trees
buskers playing lively tunes
vibrant flower displays in town

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:imagery,the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience

the use of language to create a mental picture or sensory experience

Correct Answer:atmosphere,the feeling or mood created in a section or whole of a text

the feeling or mood created in a section or whole of a text

Correct Answer:visual,relating to the sense of sight

relating to the sense of sight

Correct Answer:aural,relating to the sense of hearing

relating to the sense of hearing

Correct Answer:tactile,relating to the sense of touch

relating to the sense of touch

Q2.
True or false? Eastbourne is in the North of England.
Correct Answer: False, false
Q3.
Which of the following are true about Eastbourne?
Correct answer: Beachy Head is situated near Eastbourne.
Correct answer: Eastbourne is a Victorian resort town.
Eastbourne is located in the North of England.
Q4.
Which of the following senses does the description of the "sunset" appeal to?
Correct answer: sight
sound
touch
taste
hearing
Q5.
True or false? The poet describes Eastbourne using positive imagery.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q6.
Which of these best describes the atmosphere created in the poem?
Correct answer: calm and peaceful
intense and angry
anxious and worried