1. Comparison element of this exam
You must compare the two poems – this is a significant part of what is examined in this paper. This means you need to be able to identify common (or contrasting) threads/methods/ideas/effects and talk about two poems together. Have both poems in each paragraph
But, it does not need to be equal between the 2 poems – use the printed poem to maximise quotes – top band detailed AO2 and AO3 then bring a link to the ‘2nd poem’
The best answers will make a specific point about the poems and then drill down in detail, unpacking and exploring how this works in each case – use the printed poem – AO2 has 12 marks.
AO3 is often thematic/societal for the modern poems – can contrast or be a similarity.

2. How do I get started? Writing an effective introduction (use/modify)
Both [poet/poem 1] and [poet/poem 2] use their work to explore [theme of question]. In [poem 1] this is [expand theme via intention and tone whereas (or similarly) in [poem 2] the writer is....[poem 1] is written from the perspective of .... capturing/conveying whereas/similarly poem 2....
Or link with:
try this out with the 3 plans from last lesson – 1 love/family/nature

3. A version of this intro that sets ‘top band’ skills..
Both Simon Armitage in ‘Mother Any Distance’ and Carol Ann Duffy in ‘Before you were Mine’ use their work to explore their contrasting reflections on a parent’s life or role in a child’s life. In ‘Mother Any Distance’ this is an honest and confiding personal expression of the strong bond between mother and son, even when it is almost ‘at breaking point’ as the son moves towards independence whereas in ‘Before you were Mine’ the writer is more concerned with a daughter’s ironic regret that she didn’t know her mother as a young woman, before she took on the responsibility of motherhood.

4. Non negotiable points in essays MAT
Meaning – connect to key word/idea in question
Authorial intention – what poet intends to explore/expose
Tone – central mood/feeling
Subject terminology for AO2
Narrative voice/Perspective and impact – 1st person can confiding/raw/reflective/highly personal
First and last lines
Reader responses – not same for all readers – essential to consider..
Some readers may feel that....Alternatively, another reader may......A parent could feel empathy....Readers may reflect on their own family relationships.....A modern reader could perhaps.....I personally feel empathy for.....because....A feminist perspective of The Farmer’s Bride .... However, it could also be considered.....(be brave/critical/thought provoking...)

5. Example Comparison
Topic sentence identifies clear area of comparison. Uses comparison connective i.e. Both
Clearly introduces this feature, direct address, in first poem. Uses poet’s name. Talks about effects, linked to question, in detail.
Moves on to same feature in 2nd poem. Uses comparison connective i.e. On the other hand. Uses poet’s name.
A key quotation is explored and the poet’s techniques are unpacked in close detail. The effects of these features are described.
Finishes off by developing comparison further summarising the contrasting attitudes created in each poem. Uses contrasting connective “whilst”.

6. Which quotes?
No right or wrong for this – so be confident in your selected ideas.
But, it can help if...
First line (impact/intention/language)
Last line (final impression – can give a structure point/sometimes has a rhyme point/consolidates intention and tone
Something pivotal/change/central device/memorable..for
Printed poem – ‘pepper in’ double
If you have 3 comparative paragraphs (+intro and very short conclusion) then you could have minimum 3 quotes in each paragraph – 2 printed and 1 ‘other’ poem.
It is the inference/skill that makes the high quality response not quantity of quotes.

7. What shall I compare?
Use of imagery – what kind? In each case, what does the chosen imagery help to highlight about the attitudes to a parent?
Use of particular semantic field – what kind? In each case, what does the chosen imagery help to highlight about the attitudes to a parent?
Endings – impact of the final line/s on the whole poem. What idea/attitude are we left with, creating the lasting impact of the poem?
Tone
Voice/perspective
Time period
rhyme

8. Context – 6 marks Explores complex bonds between parents and children
Presents the reader with an honest reflective of paternal expectations and the emotional complexities that occur when roles are reversed
Considers the masculine ideals of rural communities
Exposes the gender inequality .....embedded and damaging male superiority......objectification of women.....abuse of power...
Explores emotional capabilities of individuals and the lasting impact of loss...
Controversial/taboo/shocking (to modern readers)
Empathy (contemporary)
Changing (or lasting/sustained) emotions/expectations across generations..

9. A question – go create!
Letters from Yorkshire is printed...what could the question be?
What poem would you choose to compare
Plan
Choice task – write this question to time or speed plan 3 linked poems – love/family/nature
Silent so as not to disturb others
Compare how the poets present love/family bonds in 2 poems of your choice