Preparing for your Poetry exam

The unseen poem

How to tackle the unseen poem Highlight the key words. Be aware of the mark allocation. Answer using the question as your guide. Answer the questions Using the knowledge you have gained, read each line carefully. Read from punctuation mark to punctuation mark. Try to break it down into segments of meaning. Fine reading of poem What information is each questions giving me? Are there any clues as to the meaning of the poem? Read the questions What is the title saying? Who is the poet? What is the structure of the poem? Can the structure help me understand? Scan the poem

How to revise your poems for the exam

Read through each poem carefully Revising your poems Read through each poem carefully Go through all the notes you have on each poem Go through all your questions and answers for that poem Make a summary sheet for the poem

THE POETRY ESSAY Example: Analyse the imagery used to describe the soldiers in Dulce et decorum est, and how the imagery enhances the meaning of the poem. The blocked words will form your paragraphs Check your language and make changes. Edit Remember to put words from the poem in quotation marks. Use Formal language. Write the essay INTRODUCTION: Briefly say what the poem is about. PARAGRAPHS Use the headings in the question to help you CONCLUSION: Draw the points you have made into a conclusion Plan the essay What am I required to do? Are there any main headings I can use to structure the essay? Analyse the question