WW1 Poetry Analysis Worksheet
Learning Objective: Pupils can analyse a WW1 poem and identify how the poet conveys the experience of war
About this resource
This Year 6 English worksheet provides a structured approach for pupils to analyse a World War One poem, guiding them to identify and understand how poets convey the experience of war through their writing. Teachers can use this resource to develop close reading and analytical skills, directly supporting the UK National Curriculum's emphasis on understanding literary techniques and historical context in poetry.
The Poem
Read 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Foundation Task
- Who is speaking in the poem? (a) A soldier (b) A dead soldier (c) A poppy
- Where is the poem set?
- What flowers are mentioned?
- How does the poem make you feel? Write one sentence.
Core Task
Answer in full sentences:
- Why do you think the poet chose to write from the perspective of the dead soldiers?
- What is the contrast between the poppies/larks and the crosses/guns? Why does the poet include both?
- What do the lines 'Short days ago / We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow' tell us about the soldiers?
- Why has this poem become so important for Remembrance Day?
Challenge Task
Write a detailed analysis of the poem:
- How does the poet use imagery to convey the reality of war?
- What is the tone of the poem? How does it change?
- Why is the repetition of 'In Flanders fields' effective?
- Compare this poem to another WW1 poem you know. How are they similar or different?
Write your own 8-line poem inspired by 'In Flanders Fields', using similar techniques.
Differentiation
SEN Support
Foundation task with multiple choice. Key vocabulary highlighted. Paired reading of poem.
EAL Support
Pre-taught vocabulary: Flanders, poppies, crosses, larks. Visual support for poem. Sentence starters.
Gifted & Talented
Complete Challenge task with comparative analysis. Research John McCrae and the context in which the poem was written.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can identify the speaker and setting
- Can explain the poet's use of imagery
- Can connect the poem to remembrance