‘Tissue’ by Imtiaz Dharker – GCSE poetry revision and practice
This resource contains revision notes and practice questions on the 'Tissue' poem by Imtiaz Dharker to help students studying GCSE English literature deepen their understanding of this poem from the AQA Anthology Power and Control cluster.
What's included?
Free printable revision notes summarising key details about 'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker including language and imagery, structure and overall meaning of the poem.
Two differentiated sets of questions to support students at varying stages of learning. This editable resource is available to subscribers and includes the revision notes plus:
- Questions with one sentence answers
- Questions with two to three sentence answers
- Questions with paragraph answers
- Questions with mini-essay answers
What do the questions focus on?
The questions are focused on assessment objective criteria to help students target key areas in their responses and build confidence. This resource can be used to support initial learning or to reinforce revision.
'Tissue' poem by Imtiaz Dharker
'Tissue' by Imtiaz Dharker is a thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of power and control, and how it is transient. The poet compares the permanence of things like buildings, maps, and official documents to the impermanence of human life, symbolized by the metaphor of tissue paper. The poem serves as a reflection on life, history, and the human condition, suggesting that everything, even power structures, are as fragile as tissue paper.
Looking for additional resources?
Browse additional resources in the AQA Anthology: Power and Control cluster section.
A sample extract from the resource:
One sentence answers:
1. How does Dharker explore the concept of impermanence (something not lasting) in the poem? (AO1, AO2)
2. Identify and analyse an important metaphor used by Dharker in 'Tissue'. What are the effects? (AO2)
3. What does the repeated use of 'paper' signify in the poem? (AO1, AO2)
Two to three sentence answers:
1. Analyse how Dharker presents the idea of power in 'Tissue'. (AO1)
2. Discuss the implications of the phrase 'never meant to last' in the context of the poem. Can you link to the poem’s title? (AO1)
3. How does Dharker use the contrast between solid objects (brick, block) and more fragile aspects (paper, tissue) to convey her message about human life? (AO1)
