• What we choose to write about should act as a magnifying glass in order to show missed details about the poem.

• They should also be used to make details from the poem more clear, especially when metaphors or figurative language is used.

• We should not be simply paraphrasing lines from the poem.

NOT TO DO:

• Don’t just list techniques, explain how they are used effectively to support the deeper meaning.
• Don’t use two synonyms next to each other as it just adds words but doesn’t actually describe anything.

NOT TO DO:

• After embedding quotations write the line number next to it.

• Comment on the title – but not just the literal subject matter.

• Don’t rely on “connotation” or “imagery” to explain a poem.
  • Unpack the image – how does it reveal a pattern of language? or reveal what is implicit?

• Mention voice.
• Recognise the tensions in the poem and the effects on its voice.