Hero image

Tangled Up In Poetry

Average Rating4.84
(based on 63 reviews)

I teach English Lit and Lang at IGCSE and IB Level. Resources here are mainly for these courses but I often upload KS3 resources too. Currently I am working on the new Songs of Ourselves for 2026. Drop me a line on: underthevolcanoagain@gmail.com for one-to-one tuition.

54Uploads

52k+Views

75k+Downloads

I teach English Lit and Lang at IGCSE and IB Level. Resources here are mainly for these courses but I often upload KS3 resources too. Currently I am working on the new Songs of Ourselves for 2026. Drop me a line on: underthevolcanoagain@gmail.com for one-to-one tuition.
He Never Expected Much by Thomas Hardy- Full Lesson - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25
shauneeliusshauneelius

He Never Expected Much by Thomas Hardy- Full Lesson - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25

(3)
In this PowerPoint you will find a detailed summary of the poem, some pre-reading activities, a breakdown of structure, style and rhyme, teacher annotations, and a model analysis and interpretation, which I have colour-coded to highlight embedded quotes, techniques and personal interpretation. Overall, this poem resource is quite a teacher-led presentation as this is one of the trickier poems in the anthology to break down from first glance. By using this resource, the poet’s central message and some of his techniques should be understood by your students. I hope it is useful for your iGCSE class. I have also added a supplementary YouTube video to help with introducing the poem to students - it could be a homework task to watch the video before the lesson.
Funeral Blues by WH Auden - Full Lesson - Variety of Activities - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25
shauneeliusshauneelius

Funeral Blues by WH Auden - Full Lesson - Variety of Activities - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25

(2)
In this PowerPoint you will find: three readings of the poem, the poem’s backstory, questions on form/technique/ambiguity, a technique/quote matching activity, a line by line commentary, a final fun task where students perform the poem dramatically in small groups as others rate them on a simple performance rubric. It is informative but also quite fun and you can skip activities as you wish. I hope it is useful and any feedback would be much appreciated.
The Spirit Is Too Blunt An Instrument by Anne Stevenson  - Full Lesson - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25
shauneeliusshauneelius

The Spirit Is Too Blunt An Instrument by Anne Stevenson - Full Lesson - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25

(3)
This detailed PowerPoint takes students through some of the big questions raised in the poem, having them discuss in groups and then feedback to the class. It picks out key vocabulary and and has students analyse language. There is a short close analysis of sound imagery and an essay question with “break down” questions. Also, there are a couple of model analytical paragraphs to help with essay writing.
IB - Paper 1 - Mock Exam with Model Response for Level 7 - Language and Literature
shauneeliusshauneelius

IB - Paper 1 - Mock Exam with Model Response for Level 7 - Language and Literature

(0)
This is an exam I made based on an analysis of a website promoting a VR headset made by Facebook in February 2021. I have included an example intro, thesis and opening analytical paragraph to show students how to use clusters of quotes and connect style, language and meaning. I am sure it will be useful for the upcoming exam as many students find it difficult to construct in depth paragraphs.
The Planners by Boey Kim Cheng - Lesson and Model Paragraph - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25
shauneeliusshauneelius

The Planners by Boey Kim Cheng - Lesson and Model Paragraph - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25

(3)
This lesson features: general discussion questions, line by line questions to help students engage with the poem either before or during the lesson, and a detailed line by line analysis, highlighting some techniques and providing interpretation. Then we have an essay question, model introduction, and first analytical paragraph. The next paragraph has been started, and quotes provided - students should finish it off. I have also included a link to my supplementary YouTube video which acts as an introduction/revision tool for students. Students are making a Poetry Portfolio, where they stick in each poem, annotate, and analyse with the 4 big questions, which I have included at the end of the PP.
The Man with Night Sweats by Thom Gunn - Lesson and 1000 Word Model Essay - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25
shauneeliusshauneelius

The Man with Night Sweats by Thom Gunn - Lesson and 1000 Word Model Essay - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25

(4)
The PowerPoint includes: mindmapping the title, comprehension questions for every line, a variety of activities, line by line analysis, contextual information, rhyme scheme, essay questions, criteria, and an example colour-coded paragraph. Also, I have included a link to my YouTube analysis and a 1000 word essay. It is very thorough and detailed, easy to follow, and with logical animations. It will take between two and three hours to cover fully.
IB Paper 1 - Model Example Essay Intro and Thesis - Language and Literature - Texts - Past Papers
shauneeliusshauneelius

IB Paper 1 - Model Example Essay Intro and Thesis - Language and Literature - Texts - Past Papers

(0)
This is an analysis of an extract of the Kamala Harris VP Nomination Speech (follow the link to the full video below). It provides students with an annotated copy of the original text transcript, and an intro and thesis, something they often have trouble formulating. Also included are some past papers, model paragraphing, and essay plans. I hope these resources are useful in preparing for this year’s IB Paper 1 - they could be used either in class, online, or for revision.
The Bay by James K Baxter - Lesson and 1000 Word Model Essay
shauneeliusshauneelius

The Bay by James K Baxter - Lesson and 1000 Word Model Essay

(2)
A full and detailed lesson with plenty that will challenge students. PowerPoint presentation includes: vocabulary explained, questions about every line of the poem, line by line technical analysis, about the author, and a 1000 word example essay has also been added. I have made a supplementary YouTube video, that can also be found here, which should help students when at home or revising. I really hope it is useful. This poem is no longer in the iGCSE anthology.
The City Planners by Margaret Atwood - Lesson and 1000 Word Model Essay - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25
shauneeliusshauneelius

The City Planners by Margaret Atwood - Lesson and 1000 Word Model Essay - CIE Poetry iGCSE 2023-25

(4)
A detailed PowerPoint that provides: prereading activities, about the author, annotations, comprehension questions, line by line technical/language analysis, and three essay questions to challenge students. I have also written an example essay, which is also included. Students like the fun activity which involves them comparing the poem to the opening scene of David Lynch’s movie, Blue Velvet. I hope you like it. Here is a link to my supplementary YouTube video too: https://youtu.be/vTm92Pokmc0
Kiss The Dust by Elizabeth Laird SOW
shauneeliusshauneelius

Kiss The Dust by Elizabeth Laird SOW

(0)
Activities on every chapter of the book, organised on one linear PowerPoint (45 slides). Students read the book answering comprehension questions, completing a media project where they explore and create: Social Media Posts Messages and Blogs Formal and Informal Emails Bias Comparison Essays Oral and Written News Reports Photojournalism and Propaganda Satirical Comic Strips Assessment: You could use any of the above, but the main two assessments are: designing a propaganda poster to promote compassion; and comparing two newspaper articles with different biases - one is from the BBC and the other is taken from the Daily Mail.