Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → English Literature → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: English Literature
Lesson Topic: Respond to one question on a poetry set text and one question on a prose set text.
Learning Objective/s:
  • Analyse how language and form develop themes in a set poem.
  • Evaluate the impact of narrative techniques and context in a set prose passage.
  • Construct a well‑structured, evidence‑based essay response to a past‑paper question.
  • Use appropriate literary terminology to support analysis.
Materials Needed:
  • Printed copies of the set poems and prose excerpts.
  • Student worksheets with quotation banks and planning templates.
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard for modelling essay structure.
  • Marking criteria handout.
  • Highlighters and coloured pens for annotating texts.
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: Which text do you feel most confident analysing, poetry or prose? Review the exam command words and remind students of the success criteria – clear thesis, textual evidence, and analytical language. Connect to the previous lesson on literary techniques.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write a brief response to a sample poetry question, focusing on identifying command words. (Check understanding)
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Demonstrate the six‑step poetry response framework using “The Road Not Taken”. (Modelling)
  3. Guided practice (10’) – In pairs, students select quotations and plan a paragraph, using the worksheet template. (Collaborative)
  4. Transition to prose (5’) – Discuss similarities and differences in essay structure for prose questions. (Conceptual link)
  5. Independent writing (15’) – Students draft a full response to a prose question on “The Secret Garden”, applying the essay plan. (Application)
  6. Peer review (10’) – Exchange drafts, use a checklist to give feedback on analysis, evidence, and organisation. (Formative assessment)
Conclusion:
Summarise the key steps for both poetry and prose essays, highlighting the importance of linking evidence to theme. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one tip they will use in their next exam answer. Assign homework: finish the draft essay and add at least three additional quotations from a second set text.