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To be able to write attention grabbing introductions and conclusions

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What is innocence? Share experiences of what innocence is

How has the ‘little black thing among the snow’ lost its innocence?

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An introduction in a literary essay needs:

1. Overview of the text/poem – context, content, theme.

2. Thesis Statement – a direct answer to the question + mention of main ideas to be discussed.

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In his poem “The Chimney Sweeper”, William Blake explores the grim realities of child labour in 18th-century England. Through the voice of an innocent child, vivid imagery, and a bitter tone, Blake criticizes a society that robs children of their purity and hope.

Task: Highlight with different colors the overview and thesis statement

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Paired Activity: Fixing Flawed Introductions:

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Paired Activity: Fixing Flawed Introductions:

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Read the following introduction and identify the problems with it:

Blake was a Romantic poet who used his work to express political ideas. He was against industrialisation and the Church. In The Chimney Sweeper, he talks about children, dreams, heaven, and sadness. This shows that life was hard and Blake wanted things to change.

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What’s missing or off-track?

Too much background at the start – loses focus from the essay question

Doesn’t clearly connect context to the loss of innocence

No thesis statement to outline how the poem will be analysed

Lacks literary focus (no mention of devices or structure)

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A conclusion should:

Summarise the main ideas without repeating the intro

Reinforce the thesis

Leave the reader with something memorable or reflective

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Through “The Chimney Sweeper”, Blake powerfully exposes the cruelty and hypocrisy of a society that exploits children. His portrayal of lost innocence, both emotional and spiritual, serves as a compelling critique of social injustice, making the poem resonate far beyond its time.

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Independent Task: Write Your Own Intro and Conclusion

Refer to your previous planning for the question:
How does Blake present the loss of innocence in The Chimney Sweeper?

Write introduction introduction and conclusion

Use sentence starters or structure prompts if needed:

“In the poem…”

“Blake presents…”

“This is shown through…”

“In conclusion, Blake…”

Peer Review:
Swap with a partner and highlight:

Overview (yellow)

Thesis statement (blue)

Final reflection in conclusion (green)

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Blake presents the loss of innocence through the image of a child whose joy has been taken by forced labour and neglect. The child recalls being “happy upon the heath,” a phrase that evokes the natural freedom and joy associated with childhood. However, this is quickly contrasted with his new life as a chimney sweep, where he wears “clothes of death.” Blake’s use of this metaphor highlights how the child’s innocence has been replaced by danger, suffering, and even the threat of mortality. This stark contrast between the past and present reflects not only personal loss, but also societal failure to protect children. Furthermore, Blake critiques religious hypocrisy, showing that the child’s parents “are gone to praise God and his priest and king,” while he is left to suffer. The irony here intensifies the emotional impact on the reader, who sees how institutions meant to uphold morality actually support injustice. Blake therefore uses both metaphor and irony to deepen the theme of innocence lost—not just through suffering, but through betrayal by those meant to care.

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What do you think this poem is going to be about?

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Learning Objective: To Understand the context and meaning of "A Married State".

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Learning Objective: To Understand the context and meaning of "A Married State".

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In today's lesson, we will read, analyse, and understand the content and the meaning of the poem

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Starter: "Marriage brings more joy than freedom."

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Starter: "Marriage brings more joy than freedom."

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Do you agree with this statement? Explain why. Use about 3-4 sentences to share your opinion on this matter

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 "Marriage brings more joy than freedom."

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1. Lines 1–4 (Marital dissatisfaction)

2. Lines 5–10 (Praise of virginity/freedom)

3. Lines 11–14 (Advice and subversion of norms)

Each group identifies:

Meaning

Tone

Any figurative language or poetic technique

Effect on the reader

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Question...Does the poem support or challenge 17th-century values?

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Question...Does the poem support or challenge 17th-century values?

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Write an introduction and one body paragraph responding to the question: How does Katherine Philips use tone and imagery to convey her message in A Married State?

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How does Katherine Philips present attitudes toward marriage in "A Married State"?

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LO: To be able to write an introductory paragraph

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1. Overview - a brief summary of what the poem is about i.e. a one liner statement summarising the poem

2. Thesis statement - showing question awareness and providing a stance of what the essay will be about