Starter quiz
- What is the meaning of a ‘theme’ in poetry?
- the rhyme scheme used within a poem
- the main idea or message of a poem ✓
- a type of figurative language
- the number of verses in a poem
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- Why do poets use vivid adjectives in their poetry?
- to make their poems sound complicated
- to describe fully the nouns they use ✓
- to engage the reader's imagination and senses ✓
- to paint clear pictures in the reader's mind ✓
- to tell the reader the action that happens
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- Why do some poets often incorporate nature into their poetry?
- to only explore the theme of nature
- because nature is the only important theme that readers should know about
- to avoid an emotional connection with the reader
- to explore universal themes that most or all readers can understand ✓
- to evoke powerful emotions in the reader ✓
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- John Lyons describes the sunset in one of his poems. Which simile describes a Caribbean sunset in the most appropriate way?
- like a fire ball ✓
- like a bouncy ball
- like a football
- like a sphere
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- John Lyons describes the colour of the sky in the Caribbean before it rains in one of his poems. Which phrase best describes the sky?
- with red, orange and yellow hues
- nearly charcoal black ✓
- bright, clear and blue
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- What is the effect of the repetition 'Sugarcake! Sugarcake!' in John Lyons' poem 'Granny's Sugarcake'?
- It makes the reader feel sad.
- It makes the reader think he can't be heard by his granny.
- It makes the reader think he is excited to eat it. ✓
- It makes the reader feel tired.
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Exit quiz
- What human action best fits this blank? 'The snowflakes __________ gracefully together.'
- consumed
- stretched
- danced ✓
- yawned
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- Which adjective best fits the blank in this sentence? 'The __________ orb slowly drops behind the horizon.'
- smooth
- prickly
- freezing
- glowing ✓
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- Which verb best fits the blank in this sentence? 'The stars __________ down at the sleeping people below.'
- stomped
- swam
- winked ✓
- scorched
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- Which adverb best fits the blank? 'Stars shining __________ pierce the darkness.'
- brightly ✓
- anxiously
- tiredly
- bluntly
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- Which noun best fits the blank? 'A __________ of densely packed clouds drift ominously.'
- cup
- blanket ✓
- shower
- duvet
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- Match the first part of the simile with an appropriate ending.
- Silver specks dotted the sky⇔like diamonds. ✓
- The ferocious wind howled⇔like a wolf. ✓
- Billowing clouds drifted along⇔like soft pillows. ✓
Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- The themes in John Lyons' poems are often about the natural world, weather, animals and family.
- The tone in John Lyons' poems is generally positive because lots of his poetry draws on memories of his childhood.
- Poets like to use poetic devices such as figurative language to create imagery for the reader and listener.
- Figurative language includes the use of similes and personification, which brings writing to life.
- Generating ambitious vocabulary creates descriptive-rich writing, which paints vivid pictures in the reader's mind..
Common misconception
Using 'good vocabulary' automatically makes writing better.
There are no 'good' and 'bad words' in English. Rather, some are more precise and appropriate in certain contexts than others.
Keywords
Generating - actively seeking, forming and learning ambitious vocabulary to use in writing
Tone - refers to the emotion expressed by the poet towards the reader, enhancing the mood or atmosphere of the poem
Descriptive vocabulary - words and phrases used to vividly convey sensory details, emotions or experiences
Figurative language - the use of simile and personification to paint vivid pictures for the reader
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