Unseen Poetry
How to approach the task
Section a - single poem analysis - 20 minutes
Focus on exploring the meaning, analysis of language and structure with reference to quotes.
Section b - comparison analysis - 40 minutes
Focus on comparing similarities and differences in meaning, language and structure with reference to quotes. Avoid repeating analysis from section a.
Remember the skills you use for the Anthology analysis are the same (except Unseen does not require context!)
Ask yourself the following 4 Key Questions:
What are they saying? (Select QUOTES)
Why are they saying it? (EXPLAIN & ANALYSE)
How are they saying it? (TONE USED)
How/Why is it effective? (EFFECT ON THE READER)
Explore meaning:
Explicit (obvious) and Implicit (hidden)
Explore Language:
What is said?
What technique is used?
What effect does this have?
Explore Structure:
How is the poem structured?
What structural technique is used?
What effect does this have?
Top Tips
You may want to remember the following acronyms as ways to remind yourself of what you can include in a poetry analysis answer.
SMILE
MALES
MILES
Youtube tips Mr Bruff - explores how to approach an Unseen Poem for the first time
Annotated example
Poetic techniques - A detailed overview
poetic_devices-definition_effect__eg.docx | |
File Size: | 313 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Self-assessment
Use the self-assessment form attached to identify your strengths and areas to improve. Your teacher can suggest strategies to help you improve in areas that you are less confident in.
unseen_poetry_skills_self_assessment_sheet.doc | |
File Size: | 75 kb |
File Type: | doc |