This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals Comparing two poems Subject:English Age groups:12–14, 15–16 Topic:Poetry EAL Nexus resource Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes. © British Council 2015 Source | This resource was originally developed by EAL Nexus.

Learning objective: To compare two poems, ‘Checking Out Me History’ and ‘Singh Song!’, in relation to character and voice

Linking to your exam  You will need to answer a question comparing two poems in your GCSE English Literature exam.  So let’s look at comparing our two poems!

How do the two poems we have studied compare? On Post-it notes, write down:  two things which are similar about the two poems  two things which are different about the two poems Share your thoughts with a partner.

Comparative connectives  What connectives can we use when comparing two things?  Do you feel confident using these connectives?  unlike  in the same way  likewise  similarly  both … and …  however  but  whereas  on the other hand  although

Connectives practice - worksheet (A) Look at the sentences on your sheet. Fill in the gaps with a suitable connective from the list. There may be more than one correct answer! (B) Use the connectives to make your own sentences comparing the two poems. Use the ideas on your Post-it notes from earlier to help you.

SMILER Structure Meaning Images Language Emotion Reader’s response What aspects of the poem do we need to write about when we analyse poems?

Comparing our two poems: ‘Singh Song!’ and ‘Checking Out Me History’  Work in groups. Each group will look at a different aspect of the poems from SMILER.  Complete the Venn diagram on your worksheet to show the similarities and differences between the poems.  Let’s do an example together first on the next slide.

Structure ‘Checking Out Me History’ ‘Singh Song!’ Stanzas and lines of different lengths. Repetition at the beginning of stanzas. Repetition runs all through the poem, creating a resolution at the end. Structure becomes looser at the end as the couple finally have night to themselves and can be free. Both

PEE: What is it? Point Evidence (quotes) Effect/Explanation Why is it important to use PEE?

Using PEE to analyse our poems  We are going to practise writing a PEE paragraph together, to compare one aspect of the structure used in our poems.  We will try to use comparative connectives in our paragraph.

Writing our own PEE paragraphs  Continue working in your small groups.  Write your own PEE paragraph to compare the poems, related to your aspect of SMILER.  Use the model we have written together as a guide.  Swap your paragraph with another group. Check they have used the PEE structure clearly.

Plenary On Post-it notes, think about what you now know about analysing poetry. Write down:  one thing you are confident about  one thing you still want help with.