Don’t worry, I’ve heard your cries of concern! I want to quickly reassure you about the exam. I understand  this is the very first Unseen Exam you have ever done at school. In my most recent lesson, I had some very valid concerns come up in my class when we did the sticky-note activity.

They most common issues/concerns you had were:

• Concerns about writing 600 words and having enough time to do it

Firstly, I am aware 600 words sound like a lot to you! However, don’t forget you have to write an introduction, body paragraph and a conclusion. Usually just writing an introduction and conclusion can chew up more words than you think!

A good guide is to write 5 lines each for: INTRODUCTION, BODY PARAGRAPH and CONCLUSION

Don’t worry too much about the word limit. You’ll have a SMILE template and annotated poem with LOTS and LOTS of words. You’ll just pick and choose a few points to elaborate on. BAM! 600 words is nothing!

ALSO- we will have plenty of writing practice. In my very last lesson- we will do a ‘mock’ exam on Porphyria’s Lover. You will have a good chance to trial-run how you go….and you’ll get feedback and help to make sure you do it even better next time!

• Writing analytically/Writing good paragraphs

We will workshop the PEEL method of analysis. You will also have examples of good analytical essays. You will have the opportunity to practice and get feedback on your writing skills.

• Remembering poetic devices

You won’t need to remember poetic devices anymore. The exam has been changed to open-book. Your SMILE template and poem annotations will identify the poetic devices for you.

• Your confidence when it comes to analyzing the poem

We will have the SMILE template and notes on the poem to analyze the poem. You will be able to bring this in with you on the exam. The only thing you’ll have to do is write the paragraphs!

• The fact that the essay is UNSEEN

It’s natural to be worried about the unknown. Especially as this is the first time you are doing this kind of exam. However, you will have your notes with you and by the end of this I promise you will know the poems so well, that you won’t even be worried!

• Note-taking ability 

We’ll do it all in class using the SMILE template and annotations.