Cozy Apologia - teaching resource

Cozy Apologia by Rita Dove – WJEC Eduqas GCSE Poetry Anthology Teaching Resource

This engaging two-lesson mini-unit explores Rita Dove’s poem Cozy Apologia, featured in the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology. Designed to help students analyse the poem in detail, this resource also provides clear guidance on comparing it with other anthology poems in the GCSE exam.

The resource includes a 40-slide fully editable PowerPoint presentation and four accompanying worksheets, offering structured, exam-focused activities to support learners of all abilities.

Lesson One:

• Context: Introduction to Rita Dove and the personal and historical background of the poem

• First Reading: Guided discussion and comprehension tasks with example answers

• Imagery: Close analysis of Dove’s imagery and language choices, supported by model responses

Lesson Two:

• Language: Exploring poetic techniques, tone, and vocabulary

• Themes: Analysing ideas of love, relationships, identity, and reflection

• Structure & Form: Examining Dove’s use of form, stanza patterns, and rhythm

• Exam Focus: Comparing Cozy Apologia with Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy, with tips and model responses for comparison essays

Fully editable and easy to adapt, this resource is ideal for whole-class teaching, homework, intervention, and revision, ensuring students are confident when analysing the poem and preparing for the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature exam.

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