descrptive writing

Spend about 1 hour on this section.

Think carefully about the poems before you write your answer.

Both poems are about relationships that have gone wrong.

Write about both poems and their effect on you. Show how they are similar and how they are different. You may write about each poem separately and then compare them, or make comparisons where appropriate in your answer as a whole.

First Love

I knew it had to come. I couldn’t bear
It then; can’t take it now. I’ll make amends.
I’m willing to agree, now. So - be fair,
There’s no need to split up. We’ll just be friends.

Like you suggested. Not see quite so much of each other. Please! I agree. You’re right.
I made too much of what we had. Been such a fool. I’ll take the blame. We’ll start tonight - The New Improved Regime*. We’ll both be free

to do just as we want - the adult way.
I’ll do just as you want me to. You’ll see.
I’m willing to do anything you say.
I promise. I won’t make a scene. Won’t cry.
If you’ll do just one thing. Don’t say goodbye.

Mick Gowar *regime - system Using SPLLATT to analyse a poem
SPLLATT This means… ‘Rejection’ ‘First Love’
Statement What is the main message of the poem?

Purpose What is the aim of the poem? Does it, for example, describe an experience, describe a place, or protest about something? Try asking yourself why the poet wrote the poem.

Language What kind of words are included and why? Focus on the meaning of specific words used and their effects. Try to pinpoint words which create the mood and atmosphere of the poem.

Layout How does the poem look on a page? What about the way the poem is put together, or organised – the lengths of lines, the use of stanzas, any distinctive rhythm or rhyme? How does any of this impact meaning?

Audience Who exactly is this poem aimed at? Is it addressed to someone? Love poems, for example, sometimes use the second person (“you”) which can create a very intimate feeling. If the poem is addressed to a specific poem, what is the effect of this?

Tone What tone of voice do you imagine the poet reading it in? What emotions come across? Is there a specific voice? If so, whose?

Techniques What techniques does the poet use? This can be from simple alliteration to more complex metaphors. NEVER SPOT TECHNIQUES (“there is a simile in the second stanza”). It is good to use the correct terminology but you MUST discuss the effects of any poetic techniques used.