Question 1: Identify and explain the significance of the repeated phrase at the beginning of the poem.

Answer: The phrase 'Half a league' emphasizes the relentless advance of the soldiers, creating a rhythmic momentum that reflects their steady march into danger.

Question 2: What poetic technique is used in the line 'Cannon to right of them, cannon to left of them, cannon in front of them'?

Answer: Repetition, which emphasizes the encirclement and danger faced by the soldiers.

Question 3: Describe the tone of the poem and support your answer with evidence from the extract.

Answer: The tone is heroic and solemn, evidenced by phrases like 'rode the six hundred' and 'Into the jaws of Death,' which evoke bravery and sacrifice.

Question 4: Identify one example of alliteration in the extract and explain its effect.

Answer: An example is 'Volleyed and thundered,' where the repetition of the 'v' and 't' sounds creates a vivid impression of the noise and chaos of battle.

Question 5: How does the structure of the poem's stanzas contribute to its overall impact?

Answer: The regular stanza pattern and rhythmic repetition reinforce the march-like march of the soldiers and emphasize the relentless movement into danger.

Question 6: Identify and explain the purpose of the phrase 'Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.'

Answer: This phrase highlights the soldiers' unquestioning obedience and sense of duty, emphasizing their heroism and sacrifice.

Question 7: What is the effect of the poem's rhythmic pattern and repetition on the reader?

Answer: It creates a marching rhythm that evokes the soldiers' steady advance and the feeling of inevitability and heroism.

Question 8: Based on the extract, what message do you think the poet is conveying about war?

Answer: The poet conveys both the bravery and tragedy of war, highlighting the soldiers' courage and the suffering caused by miscommunication and leadership errors.

Question 1: Technique 1: Repetition. Identify its use in the poem and explain its effect.

Answer: Repetition is used to emphasize the relentless march of the soldiers, creating a rhythmic effect that mirrors their march into danger and heightens the sense of heroism.

Question 2: Technique 2: Imagery. Find an example of vivid imagery and describe its impact.

Answer: The phrase 'Into the jaws of Death' uses vivid imagery to evoke the danger and finality of death faced by the soldiers, emphasizing the horror of war.

Question 1: Write a speech from the perspective of a soldier in the charge, expressing your courage and fears.

Answer: See full answer key