English Literature — Poetry Analysis

Exam board: AQA  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

Set texts include specific novels, plays and an anthology; unseen analysis required.

Learning Objectives

• Analyse language and imagery
• Understand form and structure
• Compare poems

Key Points

• Metaphor, simile, personification
• Rhyme, rhythm, stanza
• Themes and personal response
• Compare across the anthology

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of poetry analysis with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: What effect does a metaphor create?. Solution: It creates a vivid comparison that deepens meaning
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Identify three poetic techniques in a given poem
• Discuss how structure affects meaning
• Compare two poems on a shared theme

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.