Poetry Response Checklist

Please look at the example response written by a real IGCSE student and answer the following questions. Also,
write some notes about how the student did it or didn’t do it.

Did the student…..? Yes! Somewhat No!

Use the term “speaker”, not

“narrator”?
Have an introduction that used the
writer’s name, restated the question,
answered the question, and give some
background information about the
poem and themes introduced?

Have a topic sentence for each

supporting paragraph that clearly
introduced their point?

Have a clear point, evidence and

explanation, and analysis with effect
on the reader while exploring their
ideas in each supporting paragraph?

Did the student’s points sufficiently

answer the CIE question? (essay was
focused on the question)

Convey their point, explanation, and

analysis specifically while using high
level analytical language and specific
adjectives (SEE PETAL SHEET)?

HIGHLIGHT all the verbs used to analyze

the poem in yellow and HIGHLIGHT all
the adjectives used to describe it in green.
Choose appropriate quotes as
evidence? (This means the quotes
supported the point they wanted to
make and were well-incorporated / not
too long. Also, did the student cite the
quote location properly (lines)?
Focus on the language of the poem
given while also considering how the
form, structure, tone, and mood also
add meaning? Identify the technique
used and explain the significance?

Explore and make connections to

create a personal interpretation?

Have some sentences that impeded

communication (you couldn’t
understand their meaning)?

Repeat language or ideas too much?

Based on the answers to your checklist, what advice would you give this student to do
better next time?

AO1--show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts, supported by reference to the text (KNOWLEDGE +
EVIDENCE)

AO2--understand the meanings of literary texts and their context, and explore texts beyond surface meaning to show deeper
awareness of ideas and attitudes (EXPLORE LANGUAGE DEEPLY)

AO3--recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure, and form to create and shape meanings and effects
(COMMENT ON EFFECT OF WRITING STYLE)

AO4--communicate a sensitive and informed personal response (WRITTEN WELL AND SHOWS PERSONAL
INTERPRETATION)