Exposure - teaching resource

Exposure by Wilfred Owen – AQA GCSE Power and Conflict Poetry Teaching Resource

This detailed two-lesson mini-unit focuses on Wilfred Owen’s Exposure, featured in the AQA GCSE English Literature Power and Conflict poetry anthology. Designed to develop students’ analytical skills and exam confidence, this resource explores the poem’s language, imagery, themes, structure, and context, while providing guidance on comparing it effectively with other anthology poems.

The teaching pack includes a 56-slide fully editable PowerPoint presentation and five accompanying worksheets with structured, engaging, and exam-focused activities.

Lesson One:

• Context: Introduction to World War One, trench warfare, and Wilfred Owen’s experiences

• First Reading: Annotated reading of Exposure with glossary, comprehension, and consolidation tasks (answers included)

• Language & Imagery: Detailed analysis of Owen’s language choices, symbolism, and imagery, supported by model responses

• Essay Writing: An extended essay question assessing initial understanding, with a sample answer provided

Lesson Two:

• Imagery: Exploring Owen’s descriptive and emotive imagery in greater depth

• Themes: Analysing key themes, including nature’s power, human endurance, and the futility of war

• Structure & Form: Examining Owen’s use of rhythm, repetition, and stanza structure to shape meaning

• Exam Focus: Comparing Exposure with The Charge of the Light Brigade, including tips and model answers for effective comparison essays

Fully editable and easily adaptable, this resource is ideal for whole-class teaching, homework, intervention, and revision, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed for the AQA GCSE English Literature exam.

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