Poems of The Decade
Exam tips
Write out the AOs – AO124
Think carefully abt what the question is
Think about what the examiner wants to hear
Make a table of quotes for comparison
Don’t compare on differences mostly do similarities
Write a page and a half, 2 pages max - 1500 words
At the end mention the effect on the reader
AO2
Techniques are important but focus on perspective and general meaning – AO2
Reflect on Narrative perspective – motivations – AO2
Reflect on the poets world view – AO2
Explore why a certain theme is being presented – eg sadness in wife in London is a
criticism of the Boer war- AO2
Language
Technique Example/ definition
Anaphora repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive
phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic
effect. Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we
cannot hallow—this ground" is an example of anaphora.
Semantic field A theme of words across a piece of work
Cut, dug, drill, excavate – semantic field of construction/ manual labour
Tone/ undertone the writer's attitude towards a subject or how their perspective
influences the mood of the text.
Mood Influenced by the speaker’s tone
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional
complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the
reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing can influence its mood, from
the setting and the imagery to the author's word choice and tone.
Repetition Literary device in which a word or phrase is used multiple times.
Repetition can be found throughout literature. Most commonly, it is
found in poetry and speeches to create rhythm or emphasised a word
or phrase.
Hyperbole Hyperbole is the name given to an exaggerated phrase. If language is
said to be hyperbolic, it is over the top, and not intended to be taken
literally.
Alliteration Alliteration. One of the language features in English that can be used to
great effect is alliteration. Alliteration is when two or more words that
start
Assonance Resemblance of sound between syllables of nearby words, arising
, particularly from the rhyming of two or more stressed vowels, but not
consonants (e.g. sonnet, porridge ), but also from the use of identical
consonants with different vowels (e.g. killed, cold, culled ).
Sibilance Sibilance is a type of literary device and figure of speech wherein a
hissing sound is created in a group of words through the repetition of 's'
sounds.
Plosives The sounds that are generally associated with the letters p, t, k, b, d, g in
English words such pat, kid, bag are examples of plosives.
Metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech that implicitly compares two unrelated
things, typically by stating that one thing is another (e.g., “that chef is a
magician”). Metaphors can be used to create vivid imagery, exaggerate
a characteristic or action, or express a complex idea.
Personification The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to
something non-human, or the representation of an abstract quality in
human form.
Smilie A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another
thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or
vivid (e.g. as brave as a lion ).
Onomatopoeia Examples of Onomatopoeia: Buzz-The bee buzzed in my ear. Boom-The
boom of the fireworks scared the baby. Meow-The cat meowed for
some milk.
Juxtaposition / The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with
oxymoron contrasting effect.
Irony When a person says something or does something that departs from
what we’d expect them to say or do.
Allusion an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it
explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
Ie he’s in a better place
Ellipsis .. .
Structure
Technique Example/ definition
Simple sentence A simple sentence is a single independent clause with a subject and
predicate. Simple sentences convey a complete thought, but they do
not contain any dependent clauses (also known as subordinate clauses).
Simple sentence examples Juliet waited on her balcony. Mice love
snacks.
Compound sentence An example of a compound sentence is, 'This house is too expensive,
and that house is too small.' This sentence is a compound sentence
because it has two independent clauses, 'This house is too expensive'
and 'that house is too small' separated by a comma and the conjunction
'and.
Tenses Simple past: She wrote last night. Past progressive: She was writing
when he called. Simple future: She will write tomorrow. Future
progressive: She will be writing when you arrive.
Exposition It is the background information on the characters and setting explained
at the beginning of the story. The EXPOSITION will often have
information about events that happened before the story began. The
EXPOSITION is often the very first part of the PLOT.
Rhyme Cat-hat, rotten-forgotten, and heard-bird
Couplet, triplet, In poetry, stanzas are visual groupings of lines. A group of two lines is
, quatrain called a couplet. A three line stanza is called a tercet. A four line stanza
is a quatrain, and a five line stanza is a quintet.
Caesura A caesura is a poetic device in which there is a pause between a line of
poetry. This pause follows natural speech patterns and is usually
indicated by punctuation.
Enjambement (in verse) the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the
end of a line, couplet, or stanza.
"he uses enjambment less than many poets
Key word bank
Insipid lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : dull, flat.
insipid prose. 2. : lacking taste or savor : tasteless.
Galvanise to inspire, stimulate, or excite someone into action, often in a sudden or
forceful way.
Pathos the use of language or narrative techniques to evoke strong emotional
responses in the reader or audience
Apotheosis the elevation of a person or thing to divine status, or, more broadly, the
glorification or idealization of something
Form Type of structure
Like:
a sonnet - 14 lines
haiku
ballad
villanelle – genetics
Free verse, lyrical
Structure Specific arrangement of the poem on the page
A 1-line stanza is called a monostich. It's the smallest unit of lines that
can be considered a stanza, and it can even be an entire poem in itself.
Other types of stanzas include couplets (2 lines), tercets (3 lines),
quatrains (4 lines), quintet, sextet, septet, octave
How many stanzas is also included in structure
Conceit Running theme of extended metaphor in a poem
Pastoral a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life.
Enigmatic there is no absolute reading of the text
A Minor role ‘Minor’ - underplays the emotions of
the carer.
o A supporting role
‘Role’ suggest something not real acting
or a fad.
I’m best observed on stage, “Best” - suggest they Might not feel
they have much worth anymore outside
of being a carer.
“Observed” - suggest feeling watched.
Also links to the allusion of the poem
which is that the speaker is an actor in
a drama in which they are a carer, and
, their partners illness is a drama.
Propping a spear, or making endless “Propping spear“ - actors have props.
Spears are used to inflict pain linking to
one of the key themes suffering
“Endless“ - illnesses are endless
Exits and entrances with my servant’s Servants – oppressive language
Alliteration
patter, Yes, sir. O no, sir. If I get “Patter” – servants talk, oppressive
powerless language
These midget moments wrong, the monstrous If I get these … moments wrong – the
fabric speaker is under a insane amount of
pressure because if they mess up it
could cost everything
“Midget moments” – alliteration,
juxtaposition, small
“Monstrous” – links to the bitter tone,
big, contrast
Enjambement to show the endless flow
of this struggle.
Shrinks to unwanted sniggers.// Might be how the speaker feels further
exemplified in the word “minor”.
But my heart’s in the unobtrusive, “But my heart’s in the unobtrusive,“ –
o not conspicuous or attracting
attention.
They’re heart does not attract attention
just which contrasts the allusion of
being like an actor on stage, their pain is
significant.
The waiting-room roles: driving to hospitals, Detailing their menial tasks
Parking at hospitals. Holding hands under “Holding hands“ – suggest there is a
romantic relationship
Veteran magazines; making sense
Of consultants’ monologues; asking pointed
Questions politely; checking dosages, Politely suggests care and concern
carefulness.
Dates; getting on terms with receptionists; The concept of scheduling dates is
ironic because the death of the person
they’re caring for will be unpredictable.
Sustaining the background music of civility.//
At home in the street you may see me Adds to the allusion – you recognise/
may see a celebrity on the street
Walking fast in case anyone stops:
getting on, getting better my formula Repetition - to add emphasis
For well-meant intrusiveness.// Juxtaposition is utilised because much
like the speakers word choice not
making sense neither does the
Exam tips
Write out the AOs – AO124
Think carefully abt what the question is
Think about what the examiner wants to hear
Make a table of quotes for comparison
Don’t compare on differences mostly do similarities
Write a page and a half, 2 pages max - 1500 words
At the end mention the effect on the reader
AO2
Techniques are important but focus on perspective and general meaning – AO2
Reflect on Narrative perspective – motivations – AO2
Reflect on the poets world view – AO2
Explore why a certain theme is being presented – eg sadness in wife in London is a
criticism of the Boer war- AO2
Language
Technique Example/ definition
Anaphora repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive
phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic
effect. Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we
cannot hallow—this ground" is an example of anaphora.
Semantic field A theme of words across a piece of work
Cut, dug, drill, excavate – semantic field of construction/ manual labour
Tone/ undertone the writer's attitude towards a subject or how their perspective
influences the mood of the text.
Mood Influenced by the speaker’s tone
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional
complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the
reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing can influence its mood, from
the setting and the imagery to the author's word choice and tone.
Repetition Literary device in which a word or phrase is used multiple times.
Repetition can be found throughout literature. Most commonly, it is
found in poetry and speeches to create rhythm or emphasised a word
or phrase.
Hyperbole Hyperbole is the name given to an exaggerated phrase. If language is
said to be hyperbolic, it is over the top, and not intended to be taken
literally.
Alliteration Alliteration. One of the language features in English that can be used to
great effect is alliteration. Alliteration is when two or more words that
start
Assonance Resemblance of sound between syllables of nearby words, arising
, particularly from the rhyming of two or more stressed vowels, but not
consonants (e.g. sonnet, porridge ), but also from the use of identical
consonants with different vowels (e.g. killed, cold, culled ).
Sibilance Sibilance is a type of literary device and figure of speech wherein a
hissing sound is created in a group of words through the repetition of 's'
sounds.
Plosives The sounds that are generally associated with the letters p, t, k, b, d, g in
English words such pat, kid, bag are examples of plosives.
Metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech that implicitly compares two unrelated
things, typically by stating that one thing is another (e.g., “that chef is a
magician”). Metaphors can be used to create vivid imagery, exaggerate
a characteristic or action, or express a complex idea.
Personification The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to
something non-human, or the representation of an abstract quality in
human form.
Smilie A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another
thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or
vivid (e.g. as brave as a lion ).
Onomatopoeia Examples of Onomatopoeia: Buzz-The bee buzzed in my ear. Boom-The
boom of the fireworks scared the baby. Meow-The cat meowed for
some milk.
Juxtaposition / The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with
oxymoron contrasting effect.
Irony When a person says something or does something that departs from
what we’d expect them to say or do.
Allusion an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it
explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
Ie he’s in a better place
Ellipsis .. .
Structure
Technique Example/ definition
Simple sentence A simple sentence is a single independent clause with a subject and
predicate. Simple sentences convey a complete thought, but they do
not contain any dependent clauses (also known as subordinate clauses).
Simple sentence examples Juliet waited on her balcony. Mice love
snacks.
Compound sentence An example of a compound sentence is, 'This house is too expensive,
and that house is too small.' This sentence is a compound sentence
because it has two independent clauses, 'This house is too expensive'
and 'that house is too small' separated by a comma and the conjunction
'and.
Tenses Simple past: She wrote last night. Past progressive: She was writing
when he called. Simple future: She will write tomorrow. Future
progressive: She will be writing when you arrive.
Exposition It is the background information on the characters and setting explained
at the beginning of the story. The EXPOSITION will often have
information about events that happened before the story began. The
EXPOSITION is often the very first part of the PLOT.
Rhyme Cat-hat, rotten-forgotten, and heard-bird
Couplet, triplet, In poetry, stanzas are visual groupings of lines. A group of two lines is
, quatrain called a couplet. A three line stanza is called a tercet. A four line stanza
is a quatrain, and a five line stanza is a quintet.
Caesura A caesura is a poetic device in which there is a pause between a line of
poetry. This pause follows natural speech patterns and is usually
indicated by punctuation.
Enjambement (in verse) the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the
end of a line, couplet, or stanza.
"he uses enjambment less than many poets
Key word bank
Insipid lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : dull, flat.
insipid prose. 2. : lacking taste or savor : tasteless.
Galvanise to inspire, stimulate, or excite someone into action, often in a sudden or
forceful way.
Pathos the use of language or narrative techniques to evoke strong emotional
responses in the reader or audience
Apotheosis the elevation of a person or thing to divine status, or, more broadly, the
glorification or idealization of something
Form Type of structure
Like:
a sonnet - 14 lines
haiku
ballad
villanelle – genetics
Free verse, lyrical
Structure Specific arrangement of the poem on the page
A 1-line stanza is called a monostich. It's the smallest unit of lines that
can be considered a stanza, and it can even be an entire poem in itself.
Other types of stanzas include couplets (2 lines), tercets (3 lines),
quatrains (4 lines), quintet, sextet, septet, octave
How many stanzas is also included in structure
Conceit Running theme of extended metaphor in a poem
Pastoral a work of literature portraying an idealized version of country life.
Enigmatic there is no absolute reading of the text
A Minor role ‘Minor’ - underplays the emotions of
the carer.
o A supporting role
‘Role’ suggest something not real acting
or a fad.
I’m best observed on stage, “Best” - suggest they Might not feel
they have much worth anymore outside
of being a carer.
“Observed” - suggest feeling watched.
Also links to the allusion of the poem
which is that the speaker is an actor in
a drama in which they are a carer, and
, their partners illness is a drama.
Propping a spear, or making endless “Propping spear“ - actors have props.
Spears are used to inflict pain linking to
one of the key themes suffering
“Endless“ - illnesses are endless
Exits and entrances with my servant’s Servants – oppressive language
Alliteration
patter, Yes, sir. O no, sir. If I get “Patter” – servants talk, oppressive
powerless language
These midget moments wrong, the monstrous If I get these … moments wrong – the
fabric speaker is under a insane amount of
pressure because if they mess up it
could cost everything
“Midget moments” – alliteration,
juxtaposition, small
“Monstrous” – links to the bitter tone,
big, contrast
Enjambement to show the endless flow
of this struggle.
Shrinks to unwanted sniggers.// Might be how the speaker feels further
exemplified in the word “minor”.
But my heart’s in the unobtrusive, “But my heart’s in the unobtrusive,“ –
o not conspicuous or attracting
attention.
They’re heart does not attract attention
just which contrasts the allusion of
being like an actor on stage, their pain is
significant.
The waiting-room roles: driving to hospitals, Detailing their menial tasks
Parking at hospitals. Holding hands under “Holding hands“ – suggest there is a
romantic relationship
Veteran magazines; making sense
Of consultants’ monologues; asking pointed
Questions politely; checking dosages, Politely suggests care and concern
carefulness.
Dates; getting on terms with receptionists; The concept of scheduling dates is
ironic because the death of the person
they’re caring for will be unpredictable.
Sustaining the background music of civility.//
At home in the street you may see me Adds to the allusion – you recognise/
may see a celebrity on the street
Walking fast in case anyone stops:
getting on, getting better my formula Repetition - to add emphasis
For well-meant intrusiveness.// Juxtaposition is utilised because much
like the speakers word choice not
making sense neither does the
