📖 Poem Extract

"Peace" by Elena Gourley

"The Earth held its breath. Silent. Still. Waiting. Curiosity compelled me to peer out through my window. Darkness cloaked the frosted landscape. With gentle grace the moon smiled sleepily down upon the glistening ground beneath her. She danced with the shadows. The glittering sky, shimmering with stars, glowed majestically. All was quiet. All was still.

It was then that I saw Peace. Half-hidden in the shadows, she stood in silent splendour. She radiated calmness and serenity. Though she drew no attention to herself, I could not help but be drawn by the warmth and comfort of her presence."

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions

1. What technique is used in "The Earth held its breath"?

Metaphor

Personification

Simile

Alliteration

2. The mood created in the first paragraph is:

Tense and frightening

Calm and peaceful

Excited and energetic

Sad and lonely

3. How is Peace described in the second paragraph?

Loud and attention-seeking

Bright and colourful

Hidden and serene

Cold and distant

4. Which literary techniques are used in the extract? (Select all that apply)

Personification

Alliteration

Repetition

Imagery

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer Questions

5. Find and write down three examples of alliteration from the extract.

6. What does the phrase "Darkness cloaked the frosted landscape" suggest about the setting?

7. Explain what you think Peace represents as a character in this poem. Use evidence from the text.

8. How does the poet create a sense of stillness and quiet in the first paragraph? Give specific examples.

9. Why do you think the poet chose to personify Peace as a female character? What effect does this have?

🎨 Part 3: Creative Writing Task

10. Creative Writing: Write a short story or poem that explores how you find peace in difficult times. Use descriptive language and imagery like Elena Gourley does in her poem.