Decomposition by Zulfikar Ghose

Decomposition by Zulfikar Ghose – GCSE English Literature Teaching Resource (WJEC Eduqas Anthology)

This comprehensive two-lesson unit explores Decomposition by Zulfikar Ghose, as featured in the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature Poetry Anthology. Designed to help students analyse the poem in depth, the resource covers context, language, structure and themes, with a strong focus on developing exam skills and comparative analysis.

The pack includes a 36-slide editable PowerPoint and three printable worksheets full of structured and engaging activities to guide students through the poem.

What’s included:

Context and Background – Ghose’s life, influences, and the impact of displacement and poverty on his work

Close Reading Activities – Line-by-line exploration with key quotations, discussion prompts and model responses

Language and Imagery – Analysis of Ghose’s visual imagery, symbolism of decay, and tone of guilt and reflection

Structure and Form – Examination of free verse, enjambment, and shifts in time and perspective

Themes – Poverty, dehumanisation, guilt, exploitation, indifference and social inequality

Exam Practice – Sample essay questions, planning frameworks and exemplar paragraphs

Comparison Support – Guidance for linking Decomposition with anthology poems such as War Photographer by Carol Ann Duffy

Perfect for GCSE English Literature lessons or independent study, this resource helps students build confidence in analysing Ghose’s poem and prepares them effectively for the WJEC Eduqas examination.