When tackling the unseen poem, discuss the three T’s – themes, tone and techniques AKA ideas, feelings and style of writing. Don’t feel you have to be complimentary about the entire poem and don’t feel you have to discuss every line. Oh, and obviously I’m at a big advantage here: the poem isn’t unseen to [...]
We’re in a car together and you’re driving. You’ve figured out in advance how we’re going to get to our destination so I can sit back and enjoy the journey because it’s clear that you know where you’re going and that inspires confidence in me and helps me relax.
OR
Scenario 2.
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General advice on poetry essay:
Length of your essay = absolute minimum 3 & a half pages (some people can and will write more in 50 minutes). It’s ok to deal with four poems (not all six you’ve studied) in your essay BUT KNOW at least 5 – it depends on the question asked which [...]
Don’t tell the story of the poem, appreciate the ideas it expresses.
Don’t point out techniques, rather discuss the effect each technique has on the reader.
Don’t state facts, instead aim to capture your emotional response.
That is all.
I recently came across a scrap of paper written after correcting a bundle of unseen poetry tests. I may as well commit it to virtual paper before dumping it.
You need to remember the following:
A quality response here will get you a lot more marks than sheer quantity. Divide your time equally between questions. [...]
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