BEST METHOD for COMPARING POEMS I have CHANGED MY MIND

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares an innovative and simplified method for teaching poetry comparison that prioritizes the poet's ideas over rigid structural analysis. Originally focused on form, structure, openings, techniques, and endings, the method now emphasizes key quotes and imagery linked directly to the poet's intent. Using the memorable OTTER framework, students can efficiently analyze one poem deeply and add concise comparisons with another, without constantly switching focus. The approach reduces stress, allows flexible paragraphing, and demonstrates that examiners value understanding and insight over mechanical comparison, helping students achieve top marks with clarity and confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on the poet's ideas first; they are at the top of the mark scheme and most important for high marks.
• 😀 Start with the opening of the poem to find a key quote that captures attention and links to the poet's ideas.
• 😀 Identify key images in the poem and the techniques used (simile, metaphor, alliteration), but always link them to the poet's ideas.
• 😀 Analyze the ending of the poem to see how the poet shifts perspective, providing another opportunity to discuss poet's ideas.
• 😀 Form and structure are important, but a single sentence linking them to the poet's ideas is usually sufficient.
• 😀 The OTTER method (Opening, Technique, Technique, Ending, Reminder) simplifies essay planning and ensures all key elements are covered.
• 😀 Comparison does not need to be paragraph-by-paragraph or equal between poems; a few sentences highlighting similarities or differences is enough.
• 😀 You can write most about your favorite or revised poem; examiners do not mind which poem dominates your essay.
• 😀 Aim for 4 quotes per poem (opening, two key images/techniques, ending), totaling 8 quotes for the essay.
• 😀 Free verse or structured forms naturally link to themes like freedom or control; use these links instead of forcing complex analysis.
• 😀 Examiners primarily check that comparison exists, so framing your essay to show contrast or similarity is sufficient.
• 😀 Paragraph structure is flexible; one big paragraph per poem can work, but multiple paragraphs improve clarity and writing quality.

Q & A

What was the traditional method the speaker used to teach poetry comparison?

The traditional method involved starting with the form and structure of the poems, analyzing the opening to find key quotes, identifying techniques linked to key images, and then comparing similar elements of two poems point by point.

Why did the speaker originally emphasize teaching form and structure first?

Form and structure are at the top of the mark scheme, so addressing them first allows students to secure marks early and signals to the examiner that a top-grade answer is being written.

How does the speaker suggest identifying techniques in a poem?

The speaker recommends picking key images in the poem and noting any associated techniques such as similes, metaphors, or alliteration. If unsure, simply describe the effect as 'imagery.'

What is the 'OTTER' method introduced by the speaker?

OTTER is a simplified approach to poetry analysis: O for Opening, T for Techniques in the opening, T for Techniques in key images, E for Ending, and R for Reminder to include a sentence about form and structure if not already done.

Why does the speaker consider the new OTTER method more effective?

The OTTER method is simpler and easier to remember, allows students to focus on the poet's ideas (which are crucial for marks), and reduces the mental load of constantly switching between poems for comparison.

Does the examiner require students to compare poems equally?

No, examiners do not care which poem is written about more or whether it is the named poem. Students can focus primarily on one poem and only write a few sentences comparing it to another.

How should students link form to the poet's ideas according to the speaker?

For free verse, link to ideas of freedom in the poem. For structured forms like sonnets or iambic pentameter, link to ideas of control or restriction. A simple sentence connecting form to meaning is sufficient.

How many quotes does the speaker recommend using in a poetry comparison essay?

The speaker suggests using four quotes from each poem, totaling eight quotes, covering the opening, key images, techniques, and the ending.

What role does the ending of a poem play in the OTTER method?

The ending shows how the poet’s ideas have developed or changed, providing a clear opportunity to discuss the poet's overarching message and securing top marks.

How does the OTTER method approach comparison between two poems?

Instead of continuously alternating between poems, OTTER recommends analyzing one poem fully using OTTER, then briefly comparing it to the second poem in a few sentences, simplifying the comparison process.

What advice does the speaker give about paragraph structure when using OTTER?

While examiners do not care about the number of paragraphs, the speaker recommends a paragraph for each element of OTTER (Opening, Technique, Technique, Ending, Reminder) to make writing clear and organized.

Why is focusing on the poet's ideas so important in achieving top marks?

The poet's ideas are at the top of the mark scheme, meaning analysis linked to the poet's intention is highly valued by examiners and is more important than just naming techniques.