Model Answers

Quick Practice – 5 Minute Response (15 minutes)

Time Allocation: 15 minutes

What to Do:

  • Try writing a mini-answer to a second quick unseen poetry question:
    • Focus: Identify one major technique and its effect.
  • No more than 1 paragraph — aim for speed!

Mini Question Example:
“How does the poet use imagery to create mood in ‘Autumn’?”


Exam Tips for Unseen Poetry (15 minutes)

Time Allocation: 15 minutes

What to Do:

Top 5 Exam Tips:

  1. Always start with what the poem is about.
  2. Pick 3–4 techniques maximum. Don’t list everything — focus.
  3. Use short, integrated quotes.
  4. Comment on structure if you can (but don’t panic if you can’t say much).
  5. Give a personal response (how it made you feel or what it made you think).