This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

What The examiner wants
Section Four — Poetry

Some questions are phrased in a difficult way, but actually loads of them are quite similar.

If you know what you're doing, it's easy to earn yourself lots of marks.

Break Down Questions Into Parts

When you're working out what to write about, underline the key words in the question so that they stand out.

Write About The Same 3 Things In Every Poetry Essay

These are all things that will get you points if you write about them.

You’ll Always Have to Write About Language

When you are asked to comment on something "interesting", this normally means language too.

There are 3 basic things to write about — never forget language

Once you've understood the question, it's easy to start planning your essay. But read the question through a few times, just to make sure you're not charging off in the wrong direction.

What The Examiner Wants

There are ways to make poetry easier. Put some of these ideas into your poetry essay, and watch your marks go up.

Always Stick To the Facts

1) Keep on referring to the text in order to back up your argument.

2) Quote a few words at a time, to strengthen your points.

He implies she was unfaithful by saying she was “Too easily impressed", instead of He thinks she was unfaithful.

3) Make positive statements, not wishy-washy ones — this will make you sound convincing.

'Digging' is a poem about writing poetry, instead of 'Digging' would seem to be a poem about writing poetry.

Comparing Different Poems Will Get You Better Marks

In comparing questions the examiner wants to see that you can find similarities and differences between poems.

You Must Show You Appreciate What the Poet is Doing

To get the top marks you have to empathise with the poet.

So write about how the poet feels and how they want to make you feel.

Be Imaginative

1) A lot of poems deal in hidden meanings and only hint at what they might really be about.

2) This can be irritating, but as far as the exam goes, it's brilliant.

3) It means there are no right or wrong answers, and that any reasonable idea will get you marks.

4) There's only one rule —

5) The more creative you are, the better. As long as it's not made up, you will get more marks.

Poems are like suitcases — you need to unpack them With poetry, you have to look past the obvious things and search for hidden meanings. Read each poem at least 3 times, and scribble down any flashes of inspiration you have.