IGCSE English Literature 'Blessing' Poetry Lessons

Two lessons that focus on the poem ‘Blessing ’ by Imtiaz Dharker, and aim to develop personal interpretation, annotation confidence,close analysis skills and comparison practice for AO2 and AO3.

The slides include:

• Key terminology with definitions.
• Guiding questions on language, form and structural features to support annotations for each quatrain.
• Pair and/or group analysis tasks.
• Authorial context.
• A thematic grid that connects the poem to wider, holistic ideas and supports with comparison for AO3.
• Revision questions at the end of the presentation for exam prep.
• Modelled writing, writing frames and a practice question to develop comparative analysis.

Suitable for use as standalone lessons or to support an existing SoL as part of the Edexcel IGCSE Literature Poetry Anthology.

Please note this was originally taught after students had covered several poems in the anthology. Prior knowledge in order to compare Blessing to another poem based on the presentation of a ‘powerful moment’ would be useful.

Originally taught to a mainstream, mixed ability Year 10 class, this lesson could also be adapted for Year 11 revision.