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Learn: The Unseen Poetry Question
AQA GCSE English Literature specification
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Welcome!This lesson is tailored for you, Year 11 student, to help you master the Unseen Poetry Question. By the end, you'll feel confident analysing and comparing poems you've never read before. Let's get started!
What is the Unseen Poetry Question?In the AQA GCSE English Literature exam, you’ll be given poems you haven’t studied before and asked to analyse them. This tests your ability to understand themes, language, form, and structure in poetry.Don’t worry—this lesson will help you practise step by step!
How to Approach the Unseen Poetry QuestionStart by reading the poem twice—once to get the general idea and a second time to pick out key words, phrases, and techniques. Make notes on themes, tone, and poetic devices.Focus on the question and use a clear structure: WHAT, HOW, WHY. This means making a point, explaining the method, and analysing its effect.
Why should you read the poem twice?
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Key Poetic DevicesWhen analysing unseen poetry, look for these common techniques:Imagery: Descriptive or figurative language that appeals to the senses.Metaphor: Comparing one thing to another without using 'like' or 'as'.Simile: Comparing one thing to another using 'like' or 'as'.Alliteration: Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words.Enjambment: When a sentence flows over more than one line.
Which of the following is an example of a simile?
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Analysing Structure and FormPoets use structure and form to enhance their message. Look for:Rhyme scheme: Does the poem rhyme? What is the effect?Stanzas and line length: Are the stanzas regular or irregular? Does this add to the mood?Caesura: A pause in the middle of a line, often marked by punctuation. It can create a reflective or dramatic effect.Enjambment: When a sentence flows over multiple lines, creating a sense of movement or urgency.
When a poet uses {{blank0}}, it creates a pause, while {{blank1}} speeds up the pace of the poem.
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Comparing Two PoemsIn the comparison question, you’ll analyse two unseen poems. Look for similarities and differences in theme, tone, and methods. Use phrases like:'Both poems use…''However, while poem A focuses on…, poem B explores…''Whereas poem A uses…, poem B uses…'
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
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Review Time!Great work! You've learned how to approach the Unseen Poetry Question. Now let's test your understanding with some questions.
Which techniques are often found in poetry? (Select all that apply)
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Which of these is an example of enjambment?
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Both poems use {{blank0}} to create vivid imagery, but in different ways.
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Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
Start the lesson to answer this matching question
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