Before you do anything - have a look at this (trust me, you'll want to) Notes on all the Conflict Poems
Also - If you're revising, spend the greatest amount of time on the poems that you don't know - start with these poems. Avoid going over poems you feel more confident about.
What do you need to do in the exam?
The exam lasts 1 hour 15 mins
Section A - 45 mins - Compare how different poets explore conflict in two poems (36 marks)
Section B - 30 mins - Answer a question on an unseen poem (18 marks)
What poems could you be asked about in Section A?
- We are studying the 'Conflict' Cluster in 'The Moon on the Tides' - you will have the Anthology in the Exam.
- You will be asked to focus on one of these poems, and to compare it with another.
- The following are key poems to study:
The Charge of the Light Brigade
You might also be asked (or wish to) answer on the following:
Preparing for Section A
1) What happens in all of the poems?
Make sure that you know what happens in all of the poems before doing anything else -
REVISION ACTIVITY (50 mins)
Draw or print copies of this grid and make sure that you fill in every box FOR EVERY poem.
This information is available for some of the key poems - you can check out my presentations below:
2) Explaining the Effect of Language, Structure and Form
The most useful way to feel more confident in this, is to have a go -
This picture will help you ...
REVISION ACTIVITY (3 hrs in total)
Draw or print this grid and make brief notes in the boxes using your classwork, the presentations, or this REALLY useful Conflict Workbook on all of the poems.
Now have a go at planning and answering some questions - Attempting 3-4 of these over Easter will put you in a strong position.
1 Compare the Experience of Conflict in Charge Of Light Brigade and one other poem.
2 Compare the presentation of Soldiers in Bayonet Charge and one other poem.
3 Compare the Causes Of Conflict in Flag and one other poem.
4 Compare the presentation of civilians in Poppies and one other poem.
5 Compare the presentation of death in Futility and one other poem.
6 Compare the exploration of setting in Mametz Wood and one other poem.
Remember that you have to write this answer in 45min - practice doing this.
- Think about which poem would make the best comparison (I give some hints)
- Make sure that you plan and aim to write about 4-5 paragraphs.
- Try to split your focus evenly between each poem.
It is really important to reflect on your own work - I won't be able to mark all of your practices, but you should definitely reflect on what you have done, and what you want to improve EACH time.
Use this Success Sheet to write yourself a target after every practice ...
Please do leave any questions as comments on this page - or email mgray@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk
Good Luck
MG