Poetry

Poetry

• How to answer a poetry question?
• Question 1 and Question 2
• Literature paper 2

Question 1- 24 Marks

• Introduction: one paragraph- Brief outline of what you intend to include. Overview of the poem(s) which are specific to the question being asked. Pay attention to key words and to any bullet points in the question.
• Body of essay: a series of paragraphs- Paragraphs covering: themes/ideas/attitudes, form and structure, rhythm, rhyme, language and contexts (if it's a part of the question). Relate each of these to the essay title. Use the key words you’ve spotted. Back up the points you make with details or quotations from the poem.
• Conclusion: one paragraph-Refer back to the essay title. Sum up what you have said in your essay to address that title. Again, mention key words. Make sure your personal response to the poem has come across.
• Spend 30 mins.

Question 2- 8 Marks

• Spend 10 mins
• use the introduction to explain which poems you are writing about
• try to balance out the detail you include for each poem
• compare the poems throughout the essay
• comment on content, themes, ideas and attitudes as well as form, structure and language
• sum up your thoughts on ways in which the poems are similar and different in your conclusion