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English Literature
All levels

How would you perform a practical criticism of this poem?

Taking the student through a sample poem, here e e cummings' '1a', I would guide them to look at content, form, and images, as well as the concrete nature of the poem. I would then ask them to tease out t...

KP
7403 Views

How should I go about comparing two poems for GCSE?

Most importantly, don’t rush! Take time to reread the poems with the theme of the question in mind. 

Make sure you understand everything - plan the essay first. You might find it helpful ...

ZD
5694 Views

How can I make an interesting point about Shakespearian rhyme and meter?

Shakespeare’s blank verse – lines of unrhymed iambic pentameter – can feel somewhat samey. All of the plays depend upon it, even take it for granted, as the bedrock of their poetry; most characters speak ...

CM
6953 Views

How do I prepare for an essay question based on an unseen text?

When preparing for an essay question that is based on an unseen text, many students see this as a daunting concept, as I did when studying for my A levels too! However, in reality, you will know the te...

EP
11166 Views

How do I structure a comparative essay?

A comparative essay should be made up of equal parts of the texts or poems you are writing about, going into detail about each of the topics but also making comparisons and contrasts throughout. There ...

AK
11986 Views

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