"Writing to Michael Longley."

Write a letter to Michael Longley telling him about your experience of studying his poetry. In your letter you should refer to his themes and the way he expresses them. Support the points you make by reference to the poetry on your course.

Imagine you have invited Michael Longley to give a reading of his poems to your class or group. What poems would you ask him to read and why do you think they would appeal to your fellow students

What impact did the poetry of Michael Longley make on you as a reader? In shaping your answer you might consider some of the following:

• Your overall sense of the personality or outlook of the poet
• The poet's use of language and imagery
• Your favourite poem or poems.

"Michael Longley is a keen observer of the natural world, but his poetry also shows a fascination with the ordinary lives of common people."

Discuss this statement in relation to the poems by Longley that you studied for this course.

Write an essay in which you outline your reasons for liking and/or not liking the poetry of Michael Longley. Support your points by reference to the poetry of Longley that you have studied.

"Introducing Michael Longley"

Write out the text of a short presentation you would make to your friends or clas group under the above title. Support your point of view by reference to or quotation from the poetry of Michael Longley that you have studied.

"The poetry of Michael Longley appeals to the modern reader for many reasons."

Write an essay in which you outline the reasons why poems by Michael Longley have this appeal.

Michael Longley has spoken of "the violence which lurks under the apparently peaceful surface of our civilisation."

Consider the treatment of this theme in the poetry by Longley on your course.

Outline your personal response to three of the poems by Michael Longley that you most enjoyed. Give reasons for your choice and quote in support of the points you make.