GCSE Analysing Unseen Poetry 3

Question 1

A poem about grief uses the extended metaphor of a winter landscape throughout. What is the term for this technique?

Accepted Answer

Conceit

Answer

A conceit is an extended, elaborate metaphor that structures a significant portion or all of a poem.

Question 2

When comparing two unseen poems in an exam, which approach is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Compare methods and effects simultaneously, linking the poems thematically

Answer

Effective comparison weaves both poems together, exploring how each poet uses methods differently or similarly to achieve related or contrasting effects.

Question 3

The line 'the crowd roared like thunder' uses which technique?

Accepted Answer

Simile

Answer

A simile makes a direct comparison using 'like' or 'as,' here comparing the crowd's roar to thunder.

Question 4

A poet uses the repeated 'hissing' s-sounds in 'the snake slithered silently through the silver grass.' What is this called?

Accepted Answer

Sibilance

Answer

Sibilance is the repetition of 's' and 'sh' sounds, often used to create a hissing or whispering effect.

Question 5

Which statement about free verse is accurate in the context of unseen poetry analysis?

Accepted Answer

It lacks a regular meter or rhyme scheme, giving the poet freedom to mirror natural speech or thought

Answer

Free verse has no fixed meter or rhyme scheme, allowing poets to shape lines according to meaning, emotion, or speech patterns.

GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education Practice Test

GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education Practice Test

GCSE Analysing Unseen Poetry 3