English - Poem: "Blues of Distict Six" by Abdullah In

Introduction

https://www.dropbox.com/s/iz7op70s53pz3d3/20220912_234929.mp4?dl=0

Task

In this task you are required to:

Read the poem titled Blues of District Six by Abdullah Ibrahim. 

Analyse the poem line by line for proper understanding. 

Discuss in groups the context of the poem.

Answer questions on the poem and write an essay based on each individual understanding of the poem by explaining your own understanding of the poem by explaining all the poetic devices used in a poem and the effect they have in the poem.  

Process

Step 1: Read the below poem aloud three times. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/blqaemsmowmkjv8/Screenshot_20220912-222037_Of…

Step 2: Analyse the poem line-by-line starting from the title. 

Step 3: Underline and research unfamiliar words. 

Step 4: Review the speaker and the setting. 

Step 5: Consider the mood and tone. 

Step 6: Highlight the use of poetic devices.

Step 7:  Paraphrase and make notes in each stanza. 

Step 8: Identify the theme/s of the poem. 

Step 9: Write a detailed essay about your understanding of the poem. Include an explanation of the poetic devices used and their effectiveness. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNTuJApvpJA

Evaluation

Category

3

2

1

A. Good quality analysis and response to poem.

Provides excellent and thoughtful, logical evaluation of the poem

Provides good evaluation of the scenario.

Poor understanding of the poem.

B. Persuasive argument and understanding.

Response is highly persuasive and maintains reader’s attention.

Response is mildly persuasive and makes sense to the reader.

Response is not persuasive and is difficult to understand.

C. Grammar, language and creativity. 

Essay has 0-3 or less errors in grammar, language use and lacks creativity.

Essay has 4-5 errors in grammar, language use and lacks creativity.

Essay has 6 or more errors in grammar, language use and lacks creativity.

       

 

Conclusion

In the above task, the student is taught a number of skills such as reading and analysing a poem. They are also expected to recall previous knowledge of poetic devices and their effectiveness in a poem. Lastly, the student is taught on how to express their comprehension of a poem in an essay format. 

Credits

Dr. M. Moyo. 

Poetry Club on YouTube. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNTuJApvpJA

 

Teacher Page

The Webquest was compiled by Luthando Yalwa, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Education student at CPUT majoring in English Home Language and EMS (Accounting).