Sonnet 43 Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Eduqas - teaching resource

Sonnet 43 – How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning – WJEC Eduqas GCSE Poetry Teaching Resource

This comprehensive two-lesson mini-unit explores Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 – How Do I Love Thee, featured in the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology. Designed to help students develop strong analytical and comparative skills, this resource provides a detailed study of the poem’s context, language, imagery, structure, and themes, while supporting exam preparation.

The teaching pack includes a 41-slide fully editable PowerPoint presentation and four accompanying worksheets, offering a range of engaging and exam-focused activities suitable for all abilities.

Lesson One:

• Context: Introduction to Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the historical background of the poem

• First Reading: Guided reading of Sonnet 43 with comprehension and consolidation questions (answers included)

• Language & Imagery: In-depth analysis of Browning’s poetic imagery, symbolism, and language choices, supported by guided tasks and model responses

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

Lesson Two:

• Imagery: Exploring Browning’s sensory and metaphorical imagery in detail

• Themes: Analysing love, passion, devotion, and spirituality

• Structure & Form: Examining Browning’s use of sonnet form, rhythm, rhyme, and stanza structure

• Exam Preparation: Comparing Sonnet 43 with Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy, with strategies and model answers to support strong comparative essays

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

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