Starter quiz
- What is a topic sentence?
- the first sentence of an essay where you introduce your overarching argument
- a sentence where you introduce both texts you will be comparing
- the first sentence of an analysis paragraph where you introduce your argument ✓
- a sentence where you comment on the wider context of one or both texts
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- Effective analysis should avoid re-telling the story of the poem and should instead ...
- explain your contextual knowledge of each text.
- introduce a quotation from each poem.
- compare how both writers use literary methods.
- explore connections between the attitudes and key ideas in each poem. ✓
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- Which of the following is an example of contextual knowledge?
- knowledge of which literary methods feature in a certain poem
- awareness of the era in which a poem was written and published ✓
- knowledge of how a poem uses rhyme and rhythm
- awareness of the era in which a poem is set ✓
- knowledge of the writer's life and influences ✓
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- Which of the following sentences uses comparative conjunctions to indicate a difference?
- Both teachers worked hard to help their students get the best grades.
- She studied diligently, however her exam scores didn't improve. ✓
- Revision is a good way to improve grades, as is practising your exam routine.
- It's most effective to revise regularly.
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- Which of these sentences uses a quotation correctly?
- Hardy describes how "[q]uaint and curious war is!" ✓
- Hardy reflects on the conflict ..."I shot him dead because—" using a blunt tone"
- Explaining his actions, the speaker declares ("Because he was my foe,").
- Hardy concludes the poem, Just so: my foe of course he was.
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- Which of the following should you include in every analytical paragraph?
- a comaprison of ideas from both poems ✓
- links to wider context
- evidence from both poems ✓
- analysis of language, form and/or structure ✓
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Exit quiz
- What does nuanced mean?
- obvious; evident to all who look at it
- unclear or confusing
- characterised by subtle distinctions or variations ✓
- could have more than one meaning
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- What does evaluate mean?
- deciding which text or idea you think is most interesting
- identifying similarities and differences between two things
- using wider context to analyse a text
- assess the quality or significance of something in relation to something else ✓
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- Which of these help to create an effective introduction to a comparative analytical response?
- directy addressing the question focus ✓
- using quotations from both texts to support your ideas
- providing a brief summary of each text, linked to the question focus ✓
- identifying how both poets use language, form and structure
- using comparative vocabulary to indicate the relationship between the poems ✓
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- When writing analytical paragraphs, you should avoid ...
- using context to explore a writer's influences.
- feature-spotting (leading with identification of methods). ✓
- using tentative (uncertain) language to indicate personal interpretations.
- reviewing each text to decide which you prefer. ✓
- using shorter quotes and always aim for at least 2 lines of text.
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- A strong conclusion will focus on ...
- considering why you think the poems take such similar/different approaches. ✓
- analysing at least one other quotation from each text.
- summarising the similarities and differences you've identified. ✓
- trying to challenge the arguments you've been making so far.
- any relevant links to wider context that help shape your interpretation. ✓
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- How can contextual knowledge shape our understanding of a text?
- it suggests possible experiences/events that may have inspired the poet ✓
- it tells us whether the poet was a skilled writer or not
- it gives an insight into the beliefs/attitudes when a text was written ✓
- it helps us to work out which poem is more effective
- it doesn't - it's just extra information you need to know
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Topic sentences need to be clear, comparative and linked to the question.
- Relevant quotations from the text are used to justify arguments.
- Context can be used to develop arguments and shape our interpretations of a text.
- Responses should focus on the intention of the author to avoid re-telling the story of the poem.
- Comparative vocabulary should be used to compare the language, form and structure of poems.
Common misconception
Context is required in every paragraph of a comparative analytical response.
Context is important to include in your response but it isn't necessary in every paragraph. In order to avoid 'bolt-on' context, it should only be used when it is relevant to the point you're making in that paragraph.
Keywords
Nuanced - characterised by subtle distinctions or variations
Evaluate - assess the value, significance or quality of something in relation to something else
Uphold - support or maintain a belief, decision or idea
Challenge - question or dispute a belief, decision or idea
Subtle - less obvious or more complex
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