Question Structure and Marking Criteria

This page delves deeper into the structure of the questions and what examiners are looking for in student responses.

Question 1 asks students to analyze how a particular theme or idea is presented in a single poem. Question 2 requires a comparison of how a theme or idea is presented in two poems, focusing on similarities and differences.

The marking criteria are based on two main assessment objectives:

1. AO1: Understanding of the poems and their similarities/differences
2. AO2: Ability to analyze form, structure, and language of the poems

Highlight: The guide emphasizes the importance of focusing on language and structure rather than just the ideas presented in the poems.

The page also provides a strategy for approaching unseen poems, suggesting students treat the poem like an investigation by asking themselves: WHAT, WHO, HOW, and WHY.

Example: To analyze a poem, students should first determine what the poem is about, who is speaking, how the poet has presented their ideas, and why the poet might have written the poem.

Analyzing Unseen Poetry: A Step-by-Step Approach

This page provides a detailed breakdown of the step-by-step approach to analyzing unseen poems. The guide recommends a systematic investigation of the poem using four key questions:

1. WHAT: Determine the poem's subject matter and themes. The question will often provide clues about the themes to focus on.

2. WHO: Identify the narrator or speaker in the poem. Consider whether it's a first-person or third-person perspective and why the poet might have chosen this voice.

3. HOW: Analyze how the poet has presented their ideas. This involves identifying key words, literary techniques, and structural elements.

4. WHY: Reflect on the poet's intentions and the desired effect on the reader. Consider the message or emotions the poet is trying to convey.

Highlight: This systematic approach helps students organize their thoughts and prevents panic when faced with an unfamiliar poem in the exam.

Example: When analyzing the 'WHAT', students are advised to write a brief summary of each stanza's content to ensure they grasp the overall meaning of the poem.

Conclusion and Further Practice

This final page of the guide would typically provide a conclusion summarizing key points and offering additional practice opportunities. However, the transcript doesn't include this information. In a complete guide, this section might include:

• A recap of the main strategies for approaching unseen poetry
• Additional practice questions with sample answers
• Tips for time management during the exam
• A list of common poetic devices to look out for
• Suggestions for further reading or study resources

Highlight: Regular practice with a variety of unseen poems is crucial for success in the AQA GCSE English Literature unseen poetry section.

Example: Students could be encouraged to analyze poems from different periods and styles to broaden their analytical skills and prepare for any type of poem that might appear in the exam.