Comparing and contrasting 'London is the Place for Me' and 'Sweet Jamaica' | English

Starter quiz

True or false? Lord Kitchener had visited Jamaica before migrating to Britain.
- True ✓
- False
Which of the following is the most suitable definition of nostalgia?
- sentimental longing for past experiences or times ✓
- part of a song that is repeated several times
- phenomena or beings that are beyond the natural or ordinary world
Which of the following best describes the atmosphere of the lyrics of 'Sweet Jamaica'?
- happy and joyful
- nostalgic and regretful ✓
- adventurous and explorative
Match the following words from the song to their definitions.
- "bugging"
  
  ⇔
  
  annoying or bothering ✓
- West Indian
  
  ⇔
  
  an antiquated term to refer to people from the Caribbean ✓
- "passage"
  
  ⇔
  
  the cost or ticket for traveling from one place to another ✓
True or false? Montego Bay is a famous location in Britain.
- True
- False ✓
Match the following words from the song to their definitions.
- "darling"
  
  ⇔
  
  a term of endearment, expressing affection and love ✓
- "heaven"
  
  ⇔
  
  a place of ideal happiness and peace ✓
- "saviour"
  
  ⇔
  
  someone or something that can save someone else ✓

True or false? Both songs describe London using positive imagery.
- True
- False ✓
Match the following keywords to their definitions.
- theme
  
  ⇔
  
  a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text ✓
- imagery
  
  ⇔
  
  the use of vivid and sensory language that appeals to the reader ✓
- compare
  
  ⇔
  
  involves identifying similarities between two or more things ✓
- contrast
  
  ⇔
  
  involves identifying differences between two or more things ✓
Which of the following are similarities between the two songs?
- the imagery used is linked to fond memories of Jamaica
- the author's pursuit of a better life ✓
- the imagery used describes a thriving, busy city
- the theme of migration ✓
True or false? Exploring the context can allow us to develop a deeper understanding of the songs and their impact.
- True ✓
- False
What is the most appropriate definition of the word belonging?
- something that is not known, identified, or understood
- a state of being alone, peaceful or secluded
- a sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group ✓
True or false? Lord Kitchener’s views of migration changed between the release of ‘London is the Place for Me’ and ‘Sweet Jamaica’.
- True ✓
- False

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‘London is the Place for Me’ was written by Aldwyn ‘Lord Kitchener’ Roberts in 1948.
‘Sweet Jamaica’ was written four years after his arrival on the Empire Windrush, in 1952.
We can compare and contrast songs with similar themes or messages, noticing the impact that they have on us as readers.
Understanding the context of the songs can support readers to form deeper reflections.
From reading, listening and discussing songs about migration, we can make connections to our own lives and experiences.

Pupils may discuss other similarities and differences between the songs (such as song structure, genre).

Verbally model examples based on themes and imagery used.

Theme - a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a text
Context - the setting or background that helps us to understand something better
Imagery - the use of vivid and sensory language that appeals to the reader's senses, creating vivid mental pictures and enhancing the emotional impact of the song
Compare - involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts
Contrast - involves identifying differences between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts