Remains - AQA - teaching resource

Remains by Simon Armitage – AQA GCSE Power and Conflict Poetry Teaching Resource

This comprehensive two-lesson mini-unit explores Simon Armitage’s poem Remains, featured in the AQA GCSE English Literature Power and Conflict poetry anthology. Designed to develop students’ analytical skills and exam technique, this resource provides an in-depth study of the poem’s context, language, imagery, structure, and themes, alongside guidance on comparing it effectively with other anthology poems.

The teaching pack includes a 53-slide fully editable PowerPoint presentation and five accompanying worksheets, offering a range of structured and exam-focused activities.

Lesson One:

• Context: Introduction to the Gulf War, PTSD, and an extract from Channel 4’s documentary Forgotten Heroes: The Undead

• First Reading: Guided reading of Remains with comprehension and discussion tasks (answers included)

• Language Analysis: Detailed exploration of Armitage’s vocabulary choices, tone, and poetic techniques, supported by model responses

• Essay Writing: An essay-style question to assess initial understanding, complete with a sample answer

Lesson Two:

• Imagery: Analysing Armitage’s use of vivid, sensory imagery and symbolism

• Themes: Exploring trauma, guilt, morality, conflict, and memory

• Structure & Form: Examining Armitage’s use of free verse, enjambment, rhythm, and stanza organisation

• Exam Focus: Comparing Remains with War Photographer by Carol Ann Duffy, supported by strategies and model answers for writing strong comparison essays

Fully editable and adaptable, this resource is perfect for classroom teaching, intervention, homework, and revision, helping students prepare effectively for the AQA GCSE English Literature exam.

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