MEMORANDUM: Applying the IDE method

Aim:To improve analysis of figures of speech(See book: p. 188)

Type: Individual written workGradelevel:11, 12

Time: 30–40 minutesFilesection: Poetry

1.1Identify the figure of speech in line 2.

It is a metaphor or personification.

1.2Describe what is being compared to what.

The branches of the leafless tree are compared to the anatomy of a human body.

1.3Explain what this comparison suggests – why has the poet used it?

This conveys the bareness of the winter trees, as well as the idea that what remains is that which is essential to the survival of the tree.

1.4Combine your answers to 1.1–1.3 into two sentences following this pattern:

In this metaphor or personification, the branches of the leafless tree are being compared to the anatomy of a human body. This suggests
that the tree is bare andalso that what remains is essential to the survival of the tree. [3]

2.1Identify the sound device in line 6.

It is onomatopoeia.

2.2Describe the quality of the sound made.

The word “clanging” has a harsh, loud sound.

2.3Explain what this sound device conveys – why has the poet used it?

This word echoes the loud, honking sounds of the geese flying to warmer climes.

2.4Combine your answers to 2.1–2.3 into two sentences following this pattern:

In this use of onomatopoeia, the word “clanging” has a harsh, loudsound. This conveys the loud, honking sounds of the geese flying to warmer climes [3]

3Identify, describe and explain the figure of speech in “the olives whiten/ Like hoary wrestlersbent with toil.” (lines 11, 12)

In this simile the frosted olive trees are being compared to old wrestlers who are bent over from fighting. This suggests the twisted shape of the olive trees as a resultof the strong winds. [3]

4Using the IDE method, discuss the figure of speech in “And like a ruby, the grape will redden on your fingers”. (lines 18, 19)

In this simile, the grape once fermented into wine is compared to aruby. This suggests the rich red colour of the wine, while also conveying its value to the speaker. [3]

© Oxford University Press Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd 2013. From Oxford Practical Teaching English Literature: How to teach Grades 8–12. You may modify, print and photocopy this document solely for use in your classes.