New
New
Year 10
AQA
Writing introductions and topic sentences for poetry comparison
I can structure an effective comparative argument with a well-crafted introduction, conclusion and topic sentences.
New
New
Year 10
AQA
Writing introductions and topic sentences for poetry comparison
I can structure an effective comparative argument with a well-crafted introduction, conclusion and topic sentences.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A comparative introduction should give a broad similarity in theme and nuanced differences within that similarity.
- A purposeful thesis should refer to the poets’ intentions or messages behind the common theme.
- Use comparative and correlative conjunctions to structure introductions and topic sentences.
- Topic sentences should lead with big ideas not the poets’ methods.
Keywords
Succumb - giving way to the overwhelming power of another force
Condemn - express complete disapproval of
Futility - pointlessness or uselessness
Incessant - something unpleasant continuing without pause or interruption
Common misconception
Topic sentences should compare language techniques, form and structure.
Topic sentences should focus on big ideas as it allows for meaningful comparison.
The learning cycles can be adapted to fit whichever poems in the anthology you are comparing.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Both William Blake and Percy Bysshe Shelley...
wrote their poems (that appear in the anthology) in the 18th century.
were medieval poets.
Q2.
In 'Ozymandias', Shelley uses a __________ whereas Blake uses a __________ in 'London'.
dramatic monologue, sonnet
ballad, dramatic monologue
Q3.
Which of the below provides an accurate definition of what it means to 'compare'?
say how two things are alike
say how two things are different
Q4.
What is a topic sentence?
an overarching argument about something that appears in the introduction
a sentence that appears in your conclusion to summarise your argument
Q5.
What is one similarity between the poems 'Ozymandias' and 'London'?
they both suggest how humans should be in awe of nature
they both advocate for human power
Q6.
What is one difference between the poems 'Ozymandias' and 'London'?
'Ozymandias' advocates for freedom whereas 'London' does not
'Ozymandias' shows the struggle of nature; 'London' shows the power of nature
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
When comparing 'Ozymandias' and 'London', why is it important to consider that Shelley and Blake were both Romantic poets?
they both wrote poems about love
they are both fascinated with the past
Q2.
'Ozymandias' depicts the __________ nature of human power, whereas 'London' depicts the __________ nature of human power.
incessant, ephemeral
incessant, transient
Q3.
What should you do at the end of a comparative introduction?
narrow down on the similarities in both poems in relation to big ideas
write a sentence about both poems/poets exploring overarching similarity
Q4.
Which sentence uses a comparative conjunction to create a valid comparison between 'Ozymandias' and 'London'?
'London' has a sarcastic tone, however 'Ozymandias' has a triumphant tone.
'Ozymandias' and 'London' explore how nature prevails over human power.
Q5.
What can be improved about this topic sentence: 'Ozymandias' merges two sonnet forms whereas 'London' uses ABAB rhyme scheme to show the rigidity of power.'?
it needs to use correlative conjunctions, rather than comparative
it must use the word 'power' or 'conflict'
Q6.
How do both 'Ozymandias' and 'London' show man-made power succumbing to nature?
The statue crumbles in 'Ozymandias'; the river becomes unchartered in 'London'.
Ozymandias' statue withers; people overthrow the monarchy in 'London'.