This is a handout that guides through the analysis and close-reading of IGCSE poetry tested on the IGCSE English Literature exams. This handout covers the following poem: 'Drummer Hodge' - by Thomas Hardy The handout includes: - an introduction with biographical and contextual information about the author - the poem text with a glossary of key vocabulary - comprehension and close-reading questions, with a focus on analysing the poem's structure, language and use of poetic devices, and main ideas or themes. - an answer key with detailed responses to the close reading and analysis questions. Enjoy!

This activity ties concepts of governance (democracy and military dictatorship) to William Golding's Nobel Prize-winning novel 'Lord of the Flies'. The activity lets students compare and contrast the two governing styles as potentially enforced by either Ralph or Jack on the island. I have had considerable success with this activity as I have taught this novel several times. And there is a lot the students can learn from this activity as a whole. It is best to teach this lesson once the students have read at least half the novel, especially after Jack and Ralph form two different groups due to different leadership styles.