Refining comparative essay writing
I can plan and structure a cohesive argument for a poetry comparison essay.
Refining comparative essay writing
I can plan and structure a cohesive argument for a poetry comparison essay.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Introduction and topic sentences should use comparative and correlative conjunctions.
- Within a wider similarity, explore smaller variations or connections in the poets ideas, messages or use of devices.
- Use sequences of developmental and evaluative connectives to explore multiple angles of an idea.
- Ensure concluding sentences and conclusions are evaluative, drawing out precise ideas.
Keywords
Nuanced - a subtle difference in meaning. In our poetry essays we want to look for nuanced differences in the presentation of the same thing (e.g. war).
Correlative conjunctions - words that work in pairs to join ideas together (e.g. neither/nor).
Discourse markers - words and phrases we use to organise and connect our ideas. They let our reader know where our argument is going.
Evaluate - to make a judgement on something. In English we evaluate a writer’s methods and ideas.
Common misconception
The best analysis identifies similarities and differences between poems in the anthology.
The best analysis will look for nuanced variations between similarities (e.g. 'Both 'Bayonet Charge' and 'Remains' explore the impact of war on individuals. However, Remains focuses more on war's aftermath and the psychological effect it can have.')
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Refining comparative essay writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Refining comparative essay writing, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Power and conflict poetry continued unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended