‘In Flanders Fields’ – poetry analysis
A differentiated poetry analysis task to support children in their understanding of John McRae's war poem 'In Flanders Fields'.
The resource includes a copy of the poem and three sets of questions exploring the theme and the poet's use of language. Set A has been written for lower attainers and focuses on vocabulary and the poet's use of alliteration, repetition and imagery. Set B (for middle attainers) looks at vocabulary, alliteration, repetition, imagery, symbolism and emotive language and set C, for high attainers, explores the above along with personification, contrasting perspectives and rhyme. Suggested answers are included.
The poem is also featured a a PowerPoint for whole class teaching.
You may also like our other Remembrance Day resources.
Sample questions from set A:
- What do the ‘crosses, row on row’ represent?
- How does the poet describe the singing of the larks?
Sample questions from set B:
- Why does the poet tell the reader to ‘Take up our quarrel with the foe’?
- What do you think the poet wants the reader to feel when reading, ‘We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow’?
Sample questions from set C:
- Whose perspective is the poem written from? How does this perspective shape the reader’s understanding of the poem?
- What is the impact of the poem? How does the poem make you reflect on the themes of remembrance and sacrifice?
