Analysing 'Carnival Dance Lesson' by John Lyons and generating vocabulary | English

Starter quiz

John Lyons is famous for...
- paintings ✓
- sculptures
- poetry ✓
- cooking
Where was John Lyons born?
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Trinidad ✓
- Togo
What is the name of John Lyons' poetry collection for young readers?
- Dancing on Stage
- Dancing in the Sun
- Dancing in the Rain ✓
- Dancing in the Snow
What is the main cultural event celebrated in Trinidad known for its parades, colourful costumes and lively music?
- Harvest Festival
- Carnival ✓
- Christmas
- Eid
What are the emotions evoked by carnival?
- joy ✓
- sadness
- freedom ✓
- anger
True or false? Carnival often celebrates cultural diversity, bringing people together from various backgrounds.
- True ✓
- False

What is the purpose of exclamation marks in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?
- to create a sense of enthusiasm and energy ✓
- to create a sense of gentleness and tranquillity
- to create a sense of anger and frustration
What type of poetic devices does John Lyons use in the poem ‘Carnival Dance Lesson’?
- repetition ✓
- simile
- personification
- rhyme ✓
Which verb best fits the following sentence? Exuberant dancers __________, painting the streets with joyous hues.
- drench
- whirl ✓
- sleep
Which pair of adjectives best fits the following sentence? The __________ revellers danced all night long at carnival.
- rowdy, exuberant ✓
- melodic, thundering
- aromatic, sweet
Which noun phrase best fits the following sentence? The __________ danced along the streets with the troupe.
- sparkling, jewelled costumes
- fizzing, sweet drink
- flamboyant, enthusiastic performer ✓
- sizzling, delicious meat
Match the the adjectives to the noun phrase.
- sticky, fragrant
  
  ⇔
  
  caramel popcorn ✓
- vibrant, colourful
  
  ⇔
  
  carnival costumes ✓
- energetic, melodic
  
  ⇔
  
  calypso tunes ✓
- smoky, juicy
  
  ⇔
  
  barbeque meat ✓

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Reading and rereading poems leads to a richer response and a greater understanding of language within them.
Analysing a poem’s language allows the reader to observe different writing styles and expose diverse language choices.
Summarising the themes and tone of a poem identifies emotions and main ideas conveyed within a poem.
Engaging the five senses enriches vocabulary by making writing more engaging, vivid and impactful.

Pupils may wish to directly replicate the language, style and vocabulary used in the poem.

The process of generating vocabulary from another poem is a source of inspiration to expand one's own vocabulary in a meaningful manner.

Poem - a piece of writing that uses creative and rhythmic language to express thoughts, feelings or ideas within a specific structure or pattern
Language - the words, phrases and techniques used by the poet to convey meaning and create imagery within a poem
Vocabulary - the words we know and use to communicate with others
Carnival - a celebration often associated with parades, costumes and lively activities, which can be reflected in the themes of poetry