Approaching the Unseen Poetry Question (AQA GCSE English Literature): Model Answers
Unseen Poetry Revision Notes
You should spend 45 minutes on section C
- 30-35 minutes on the 24-mark question
- 10-15 minutes on the 8-mark question
Here the examiner is looking to see if…
- You can analyse the meaning behind the poem.
- You can then analyse how the poet uses structural features and language features to convey this meaning in their poem.
Tips for analysing unseen poetry
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Look at the tense of the poem. Does it change at all? If the poet uses past tense, is it some sort of memory? If the poet uses the present tense, it's about a current situation, a current feeling. This is a feature you can potentially use to compare in Q2.
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Look for an aspect of form or structure that you can analyse. To get to the highest marks, you should try to write about form and structure. Is enjambment used to emphasise something, perhaps overwhelming emotions or a lack of control? Is the poem a sonnet? Is Caesura used? One-word sentences? Etc. You don't need to figure everything out, but try to find one aspect if you can.
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Look closely at the start and end of the poem - these are often useful for analysis. The start establishes the mood and may introduce the key theme of the poem; the end often illustrates the overall message of the poem.
Section C Question 1
Here, you're assessed on AO1 (your understanding of the poem and your use of quotes) and AO2 (your analysis of language, form and structure).
Introduction
A short introduction is great for AO1 – it shows the examiner that you've understood what the poem is about right away.
In [poem], the speaker describes [summary of what happens in the poem]. Through this, [poet] suggests that [overview of the message/ideas in the poem]
In 'To A Daughter Leaving Home', the speaker describes the experience of watching her daughter learn to ride a bike. Through this, Pastan suggests that growing up is often harder on the parents than the children, as they worry and watch their children drift away from them.
Analysis - paragraphs 1 and 2
You don't need massive paragraphs as the time for these questions is short. PEA (Point Evidence Analysis) will allow you to access top marks, providing you've got enough to say in your analysis of each piece of evidence. If you have time, you can use a PEAEA structure, or try to use it for at least for one paragraph to show a deeper analysis
In these paragraphs, your aim should be to meet the assessment objectives by (1) demonstrating a clear understanding of the poem's content and themes, and (2) showing how the poet has used language, form, and structure to convey meaning, including the more subtle ideas that are expressed through precise language choices.
To view full example answers, head to the "model answers" page
A conclusion is optional but may be useful to include if you noticed something interesting as you were writing your analysis and want to deepen your summary of the poem's message.
E.G.
In conclusion, Pastan uses this extended metaphor to explore the complex and bittersweet feelings that come with watching a child grow up. It can be terrifying, with so much uncertainty, but it can also be gratifying too, as you see the joy on your child's face. Ultimately, though, motherhood is also a long goodbye; it is watching your child gain independence and knowing you are no longer required to lope along beside her.