Poetry Analysis
Mini-Essay
Instructions
Learning Target
• Interpret and evaluate a poem’s form
(narrative, ballad, or lyric) and its use of
figurative language and other poetic elements
to demonstrate our understanding of a poem.
What will you be doing?
• Today you are going to the library.
• You must find a poem that fits one of the forms of
poetry we have studied.
• Forms include Narrative, Ballad, or Lyric
• Your poem must also include at least one example
of figurative language and at least two other
elements of either other types of figurative
language or poetic elements
What does my narrative, ballad, or lyric
poem need to include? Three of the
following…
At least one or more examples
of figurative language
Any of the following (up to 2 at
most)
• Simile
• Imagery
• Onomatopoeia
• Alliteration
• Metaphor
• Rhyme and rhyme scheme
• Hyperbole
• Allusion
• Symbole
• Rhythm
• Personification
• Mood
If…
• If the poem you choose at the library does not
fit the form of a narrative, ballad, or
lyric…then you will have to choose a new
poem.
• If the poem you choose at the library does not
include at least one example of figurative
language and at least two other types of
figurative language or other poetic elements,
then you will have to choose a new poem.
What poems can I choose
from?
• We asked Ms. Britz and Ms. Isaacson to pull
poetry books for you to look through, you can
look through and find a poem from one of
those books (Do NOT choose a poem from an
obvious children’s poetry book. Eighth grade
reading level is expected.) You can then either
take a photo of the page or type out or write
down the poem.
What if I can’t find one in
the books?
• Then you can try to find on in one of the
following web sites:
• www.poets.org
• www.poetryfoundation.org
• www.poemhunter.com
What kind of poem do I
choose?
• Poems must be appropriate for school. If you
are unsure if your poem is appropriate, ask
your teacher.
• Poems must fit one of the three forms
discussed in class and include a minimum of
one type of figurative language and at least
two other examples of poetic devices or
figurative language.
Today…
• Your job is to find a poem, copy it down (type it or
write it or download it if you are able)
• You will need to also know the title (if any) and
the author’s name.
• You will need to show your source, so if you got it
from a website, make sure you remember to
include that information. If you got it from a book,
include the title of the book and other important
information.
• Are we ready? Questions?