Analysing the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker
I can explain how Dharker uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint and engage the reader.
Analysing the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker
I can explain how Dharker uses language, form and structure to express her viewpoint and engage the reader.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Dharker's use of direct address creates an intimate tone, one where we are hearing Dharker's inner most thoughts.
- Dharker's use of questions encourages the reader to reflect on their own sense of belonging.
- Dharker uses people or places that seem exotic and exciting, in contrast to the places where she grew up.
- Dharker uses archetypal descriptions to encourage readers to relate to the speaker’s yearning to live a different life.
- Dharker’s speaker assumes that all teenagers dream of living somewhere ‘more exciting'.
Keywords
Archetype - a typical example of a person or thing that everyone recognises.
Poetic voice - the style or persona a poet uses to engage and connect with the reader.
Conveys - communicates or expresses a message or idea clearly.
Tentative language - words used to express uncertainty or indicate personal interpretations.
Direct address - speaking directly to the reader or audience using "you" or similar terms.
Common misconception
The poetic voice in the poem is definitely Imtiaz Dharker.
While Dharker uses some of her life experiences as references in the poem (Glasgow, 1960s and 1970s), there are also many examples which may not relate to her life. Arguably she is trying to seem relatable to all readers.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing the poem ‘In Wales, wanting to be Italian’ by Imtiaz Dharker, 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 Belonging 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 'In Wales, wanting to be Italian' by Imtiaz Dharker (found in the Edexcel GCSE Poetry Anthology - 'Belonging' cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
