DEFINITION
•
A poem of fourteen lines.
•
Typically, sonnets use a variety of formal rhyme schemes (in English, generally
having ten syllables per line).
•
Rhyme Scheme and Format Options:
• English style: abab cdcd efef gg (OR aabb ccdd eeff gg)
• 3 Quatrains and 1 Rhyming Couplet
• Italian style (Petrarchan): abbaabba cdecde
• 1 Octave (8 lines) and 1 Sestet (6 lines)
•
Subject matter: A single idea.
• A feeling, a person, a favorite thing
SAMPLE SONNET
After Turkey Day, the garbage bags sat;
My dog was tempted by the tasty sight.
He tore them open, gorged big, and grew fat,
But first he made a mess and caused some blight.
He ate some hot sauce and blueberry pies,
Then laid around and moaned out loud in pain.
I worried in my heart of his demise,
And tried to scrub the purple carpet stain.
He slowly came around and waddled slow,
His belly wide and nearly to the floor.
So sad to see my hungry doggy grow
So portly wide, he barely fit his door.
He survived, but still he is more than stout.
I’ve learned. Next time I’ll take the garbage out!
-Denise Rodgers
TIPS
•
Choose a subject that you have strong feelings about.
 Describe all the “ins and outs” of your subject.
 Tell about all of its good qualities to make it sound even better!
 Tap into your five senses – if they fit (don’t force it).
 Make comparisons using metaphors and similes.
 Directly address you subject, if you want.
 Tell how you feel about the subject AND describe it fully.
 Choose strong words that precisely share your thoughts – language that’s
packed with meaning!
HOW TO WRITE A SONNET

Choose a theme or problem to focus on in your sonnet.
An emotion, a person, or a favorite thing

Pick a type of sonnet.
Think about how the structure fits your subject
Incorporate a volta (or turning point) in your poem.

Try to brainstorm a list of words related to that topic.
What do you notice, feel, smell, taste, hear, think, and/or wonder about your topic?

What can you compare to this topic?

Can you repeat something for effect?

Start writing!
Be sure to count out the syllables (only ten syllables per line of verse).
Organize your verses into rhyming stanzas.
REQUIREMENTS
•
Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form (a sonnet).
•
Student’s use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and
complete picture in the reader’s mind.
•
Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to reinforce the theme.
•
Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few, if
any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding.
•
Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment and
goes beyond the basic requirements.
•
Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning (add a
drawing or a picture).
TYPES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE TO CONSIDER
Alliteration
Consonance
Assonance
Hyperbole
Personification
Rhythm
Repetition
Imagery
Allusion
Rhyme
 End
 Internal
Onomatopoeia
Metaphor
Simile