1. Set Text Norman MacCaig
Higher English
Set Text
Norman MacCaig

2. The paper The English literature paper is made up of TWO elements.
A textual analysis where you answer questions on an extract from a text that you have studied in class. The extract will be provided.
Critical essay where you write an essay on a different text that you have studied in class. You will not have access to the text.
We will be preparing for the TEXTUAL ANALYSIS element or the SET TEXT.

3. Learning Intention Learning Intention:
We are learning about the requirements of the set text element of the course
So that I can
Maximise my chances of success by understanding what is expected of me throughout the course and in the final exam
Success Criteria: I can...
- Identify the differences between the set text and critical essay paper
Explain what is meant by the term ‘set text’
Describe a typical exam paper
Summarise what will be expected of you in the final exam

4. Set Text
The new Higher English exam includes a Scottish set text section. A set text is a text or selection of texts prescribed by the exam board that you MUST study and respond to in the exam.
To prepare for this, we will study a selection of poems by the same Scottish poet.
In the exam, you will be expected to answer a series of textual analysis questions on any one of the poems that you have studied in class and you will not know which one beforehand
You will have the opportunity to discuss OTHER poems that you have studied by this poet in the final question of the paper.

5. Exam Paper Instructions

6. Instructions Work with a partner to answer the following questions about the set text paper.
How much time are you given for the literature paper?
How much time should you spend on a) the set text? b)critical essay?
How many marks are the set text questions worth?
What pages should you look at for the questions on your text?
Should you answer questions on a poem that you haven’t studied in class?

7. For example
Visiting Hour by Norman Maccaig The hospital smell combs my nostrils as they go bobbing along green and yellow corridors. What seems a corpse is trundled into a lift and vanishes heavenward. I will not feel, I will not feel, until I have to.

8. Example Questions for poetry
Questions 46. look at lines 1—7. Analyse how the poet’s use of language conveys his response to his surroundings look at lines 8—18. Analyse how MacCaig uses language to highlight his own sense of inadequacy look at lines 19—38. Analyse how the poet’s use of language emphasises the painful nature of the situation for both patient and visitor By referring to this poem, and at least one other by MacCaig, discuss how he explores the theme of loss in his work. 10

9. Questions Work with a partner to get to know the question paper better
DESCRIBE the layout and structure of the question paper
LIST the important words from each question that describes what you are being asked to do
IDENTIFY what each question is asking you to talk about
EXPLAIN what you need to do to answer the questions successfully

10. MacCaig
Learning Intention: We are learning about the life, work and background of the poet So that I can: study and appreciate MacCaig’s poetry with a firm understanding of the context of his work Success Criteria: I can give some biographical information on MacCaig, list his important works and comment on the inspiration and influences for his work

11. Norman MacCaig ASSISI AUNT JULIA BASKING SHARK VISITING HOUR
We will be studying the poetry of Norman MacCaig.
The 6 poems we will be looking at are:
ASSISI
AUNT JULIA
BASKING SHARK
VISITING HOUR
SOUNDS OF THE DAY
MEMORIAL

12. What do we know?
Begin a mind map by putting the poet’s name in the centre of your page. 1)With a partner, look back at your notes so far and write down what you know about the poet. 2) In groups, share any knowledge you may have about the poet from previous study/personal reading 3) Add each of the poem titles to the mind map and using the titles as inspiration add at least ONE idea what you believe each poem may be about OR what the theme may be

13. Background MacCaig believes that poetry is...
It is important that you have an understanding of MacCaig’s background. Many of his poems are influenced by his experiences and the world around him: north-west Scotland and Edinburgh. Through an understanding of MacCaig’s biography you will get a greater sense of some of the key themes in his poetry, such as the importance of observing people, places and things from different perspectives and challenging our preconceived notions.
He wants us to ask questions about life.
‘Poetry teaches a man to do more than observe merely factual errors and measurable truths. It trains him to have a shrewd nose for the fake, the inflated, the imprecise and the dishonest. So, it compels him to examine the emotional significance of whatever comes under his notice.’ (MacCaig, Norman. ‘My Way of It’ in Chapman 16 Vol 4 No. 4 Summer p. 7.)
Working with a partner discuss your ideas on this quotation and IN YOUR OWN WORDS complete the following sentence...
MacCaig believes that poetry is...

14. Note-taking
You will be shown an interview with Norman MacCaig where he discusses his life, his influences, and his works. You will be given a list of questions to answer as you watch. THEN You will watch a second, more recent, interview where you will be expected to add to your notes with any more relevant details. e=player_embedded

15. Homework
Using your notes and any other resources you choose, compile a short biography of Norman MacCaig. You should include basic biographical details, a brief outline of his personal life, an account of his important works and an explanation of his influences/inspirations.