The 8 Mark Question

Success Criteria Learning Intention To understand how to structure the final question for the Scottish set texts. To be able to structure your own answer to an unseen question. To be able to choose relevant material from the seen and unseen poems. Success Criteria

How to answer the Q… Use the headings: General Comment (2 marks) Exam poem (2 marks) Other poem (4 marks)

(1) General Comment Write a sentence for each poem to show how it links to the question.

(2) Exam Poem Quote a relevant example from the exam poem. Pick out the techniques used in the quote. Explain what they show us and link this back to what the question is asking.

(3) Other Poem Do exactly the same as exam poem but do it twice and use quotes from a different Duffy poem. You can focus on one or two other poems. NOTE: Remember to always link back to the question at the end of each bullet point.

Question Discuss how the poet uses striking words and imagery to explore a deeper theme in “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class” and at least 1 other poem.

My Answer General Comment In “In Mrs Tilscher’s Class”, Duffy uses striking imagery such as the symbol of the Nile and the metaphor of tadpoles to illustrate the theme of growing up. In “War Photographer, Duffy uses the comparison to the priest and use of metaphor to illustrate the true horror of war experienced by the photographer.

Exam Poem * “the inky tadpoles changed from commas into exclamation marks” Metaphor of “inky tadpoles” compares the children to tadpoles. Just as tadpoles develop from frog spawn and transform into frogs so too are the children growing up and becoming adolescents. This explores the deeper theme as it is clear that Duffy is highlighting the changes experienced by children and the complex nature of growing up.

Other Poem * “half formed ghost” The poet's use of metaphor compares the image of the dying man and a ghost. Just as a ghost is the form of someone dead and may haunt people so too is this image a representation of a dead man and it haunts the photographer’s mind. This highlights the deeper meaning of the poem as the photographer has experienced the horror or war and cannot move on. * “as though this were a church and he a priest” The use of religious imagery/simile compares him to a priest - sense of ritual in the way he develops film - has seen difficult things - same respect a priest would have when preparing for communion. Therefore it illustrates the deeper meaning because it shows how the horror of war has changed him and made him view his job as important.

Example Question ‘In Mrs Tilscher’s Class’ – Referring closely to this poem and to at least one other poem by Duffy, discuss how she explores the link between the past and the present.