New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Making connections between the poems in the Edexcel Belonging anthology

I can make detailed and nuanced thematic connections between poems.

New
New
Year 11
Edexcel

Making connections between the poems in the Edexcel Belonging anthology

I can make detailed and nuanced thematic connections between poems.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Poems can be linked by theme e.g. identity, belonging.
  2. Poems can be linked by attitude, considering how the poet's feel about the subject they are addressing.
  3. Poems can be connected by how poets use similar imagery or techniques to address different issues.
  4. Correlative and comparative conjunctions are useful for signposting the similarities and differences between both texts.
  5. Comparatives can be used to evaluate the differences between attitudes or key ideas.

Common misconception

Effective comparative analysis leads by comparing the poets' use of literary methods.

The most effective comparative analysis writing should lead by comparing key ideas of attitudes in both poems.

Keywords

  • Comparative conjunctions - words that link and contrast ideas, like 'but,' 'although', and 'whereas'

  • Correlative conjunctions - paired conjunctions like 'either/or' and 'neither/nor' that work together to join ideas

  • Comparatives - the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses a difference in amount, number, degree or quality

  • Thematic - related to the central subject or underlying message of a literary work

  • Subtle - not obvious; requiring careful attention to notice or understand

In the first learning cycle when students are asked to consider what both poets may say if they were in a room together, consider using 'hot-seating' to allow students to role play the poets, imagining what they may say to each other.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of the Edexcel GCSE Poetry Anthology ('Belonging' cluster).

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

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).

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6 Questions

Q1.
If two poems complement each other, this means ...
they have a positive attitude towards each other.
Correct answer: there are lots of connections between the key ideas in both poems.
one of the poets was influenced by the other poet.
the poems have more similarities than differences.
Q2.
Which of these is an example of a thematic idea?
semantic field
Correct answer: belonging
"amid the Southern seas"
arguably
Q3.
Which of these is an example of a comparative conjunction?
both ... and ...
effectively
because
Correct answer: whereas
Q4.
Which of the following are comparatives?
Correct answer: bigger
big
dramatic
Correct answer: more dramatic
Q5.
What does it mean to reminisce?
predict future events
Correct answer: reflect on past experiences with fondness
plan for the future
imagine fictional scenarios
Q6.
When comparing two poems, you should identify ...
only similarities between them.
only differences between them.
Correct answer: either similarities or differences between them.
similarities and differences between them.

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following sentences uses correlative conjunctions?
Correct answer: Both bread and pasta contain gluten.
Bread contains wheat. Pasta also contains wheat.
Pasta is most delicious when made fresh.
Dried pasta is more commonly used than fresh pasta.
Q2.
Which of the following sentences uses a comparative conjunction?
Both poems are poignant, reflecting on themes of loss.
The first poem is most effective in its depiction of bereavement.
Correct answer: The first poem is joyful, whereas the second one is harrowing.
The first poem is joyful. The second one is different as it more harrowing.
Q3.
Which of the following sentences uses a comparative?
Correct answer: The Empire State Building is taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Correct answer: The Pacific Ocean is larger than the Atlantic Ocean.
Russia is an enormous country.
Q4.
When comparing two poems, it's always best to begin each paragraph by comparing ...
two key quotations.
how the poets use literary methods.
Correct answer: key ideas from both poems.
the wider context of both poems.
Q5.
Which of the following is a synonym for 'subtle'?
obvious
Correct answer: nuanced
vague
ambiguous
Q6.
Analysis of methods could include the poets' use of ...
Correct answer: structure.
Correct answer: language.
Correct answer: form.
key ideas.