Learn: The Unseen Poetry Question

Welcome!Today, we'll explore how to approach the Unseen Poetry Question in your AQA GCSE English Literature exam. This lesson is designed to help you master this skill step by step.

What is the Unseen Poetry Question?This part of the exam tests your ability to analyse poems you've never seen before. You’ll need to identify key themes, techniques, and meanings, and compare two poems in the second part of the question.

Why is analysing unseen poetry important?Unseen poetry analysis develops your critical thinking and helps you respond creatively to texts. It also shows your ability to interpret language, structure, and form without prior preparation.

How to approach the first unseen poem?Start by reading the poem twice to understand its subject and tone. Identify the key theme, message, and feelings conveyed. Use your knowledge of language, form, and structure to explain how the poet achieves these effects.

What methods should you look for?Examine language features like metaphors, similes, and imagery. Look at the poem’s structure, including rhyme, rhythm, and line breaks. Consider its form, such as sonnet, free verse, or other poetic styles.

How to compare two poems?Find shared themes or techniques, but also highlight differences. For example, both poems might explore love, but one uses imagery while the other relies on rhythm. Use the ABAB structure: discuss one idea in both poems before moving to the next.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned how to approach unseen poetry and compare two poems. Let’s review what we've covered with some final questions.