In 'Skirrid Hill', Owen Sheers notes that the word ‘Skirrid’ is derived from a Welsh word meaning ‘divorce or separation’. Examine the view that the collection is dominated by the theme of separation. You should refer to at least two poems in your answer.

First, I would breakdown exactly what the question is asking in relation to the question word. Then, I would decide which of the poems in the anthology are most strongly related to the theme of separation and which are more subtly related (to reference, needed for highest marks). I would select poems which allow for a debate, constructing my essay in order to have 1 main poem disagreeing with my point and 2 which agree with my point. My introduction would give a general overview of the anthology, explain how there are multiple perspectives to the question and why the theme in particular resonates with the author contextually. I would write the antithesis of my argument in my first body paragraph so I can challenge in the following two body paragraphs. In each of my chosen poems I would back up my argument with points from the poem, such as how the meter; rhyme; punctuation; imagery; ect supports my point. In each paragraph I would link to the wider context of how the arguments link to the writer’s life, especially considering historic context. Finally, I would conclude the essay by writing how my argument links to the question, reiterating the links which I have provided throughout.