Exploring Maya Angelou's figurative language in ‘Phenomenal Woman’
I can explore Angelou's use of figurative language in 'Phenomenal Woman' and use this exploration to write about myself using figurative language.
Exploring Maya Angelou's figurative language in ‘Phenomenal Woman’
I can explore Angelou's use of figurative language in 'Phenomenal Woman' and use this exploration to write about myself using figurative language.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Figurative language sees writers use non-literal words and phrases to develop complex ideas about something, or someone.
- Maya Angelou uses figurative language in 'Phenomenal Woman' to develop complex ideas about the speaker.
- When writing figuratively, you should consider the ideas you are trying to convey and use words which develop this idea.
Keywords
Literal - factual, exact
Figurative language - non-literal words and phrases which develop a writer’s meaning
Phenomenal - extraordinary or remarkable, often beyond usual expectations or understanding
Enigmatic - mysterious
Common misconception
Figurative language and metaphors are synonyms.
All metaphors are examples of figurative language. But not all figurative language is a metaphor. For example, personification, hyperbole and simile are also examples of figurative language.
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Exploring Maya Angelou's figurative language in ‘Phenomenal Woman’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Exploring Maya Angelou's figurative language in ‘Phenomenal Woman’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the Single poet study: Maya Angelou unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of 'Phenomenal Woman' by Maya Angelou published by Penguin Random House in 2011.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
confident, self-assured
inspiring happiness or hope
extraordinary or remarkable, often beyond usual expectations
a bright, brief burst of light
a way of walking by taking long, powerful steps