English 11
Unit 3 Test – Poetry
Name __________________
What is Poetry? Poetry is an art form and a type of literature. Poetry uses the
qualities of words, including their length and sound, to be artistic as well as the
meanings of the words. Poetry can take many forms, and is used to describe many
things. It can make sense or be nonsense, it can rhyme or not, and it can be as
small as a few words, or as long as a book. It takes many shapes and sizes, it can
be serious, or it can be funny.
Poetry really has no one set definition. Many define poetry as the art of writing
thoughts, ideas, and dreams into imaginative language which can contain verse,
pause, meter, repetition, and rhyme. There are several different mechanics to
poetry, such as iambic pentameter, meter, pause, stress. Many believe that poetry
is a form of expression written seeking approval from no one but read and
interpreted by anyone and everyone. It reveals your most inner thoughts that may
never be spoken forming a deep communication to others and for you, a cherished
token that you will always remember.
As the poem “The Fourth Meditation,” by Theodore Roethke illustrates, poetry is
important. It reaches inside people and heals their wounds like nothing else can. It
is an escape from reality and a method of coping with reality. It is a certain feeling
inside.
If there are any terms that need to be defined, feel free to use a dictionary (ask the
teacher for one if you do not have one).
In this test, you will be required to write four extended paragraphs or responses.
Each paragraph needs to include a thesis statement, supporting details/examples
from the story, and a conclusion.
Pre-reading question
1. Suppose you were a poet and you were asked to write a poem that about a
single moment in your life that impacted you in a negative or positive way.
First, in a paragraph, describe that moment and explain why this experience
was important to you.
Second, explain what type or style of a poem (i.e. mood, tone, imagery,
dialect, simile, metaphor...etc.) you would write.
Third, explain how poetry can be used to help you in going through your
positive and negative experiences in life.
(When responding to this question, think about what you are feeling and
clearly explain what you mean when you are answering each part to this
question).
Read the poem, “The Fourth Meditation.”
Post-reading Questions
2. In a paragraph, explain what the poem is about (theme) and what the poet
is trying to say. In your response, provide evidence and support from the
poem to explain how you came up with your answer. Connect this response
to your own experiences and explain how it relates to your life. This response
is supposed to be a bridging piece and your response should illustrate how
you connected the poem to your own personal experiences.
3. When writing poetry, the author usually has experienced something in his or
her life and uses that as the inspiration to write the poem. The poem will
then elicit the five senses (hear, taste, touch...etc.). In this paragraph:
First, explain how the expressions that the poet uses to appeal the reader to
their fives sense. Be sure to provide evidence and support from the poem to
explain how you came up with the answer.
Second, explain the images and pictures that come to mind when reading
this poem. Again, in your response, be sure to provide evidence and support
from the poem to explain how you came up with your answer.
Third, what are the figures of speech the poet uses to make the poem
effective?
Connect this response to your own experiences and explain how it relates to
your life. This response is supposed to be a bridging piece and your response
should illustrate how you connected the poem to your own personal
experiences.
4.
In this poem, the author makes several references to the tone and feeling of
the poem. In your paragraph, explain the following:
First, explain what you believe to be the tone of the poem and what is the
mood the poet is trying to create? Then, explain how poet tries to make you
feel while reading the poem. Be sure to include how the poet communicates
his feelings.
Second, explain the significance of the title of the poem. How does the title
provide a hint as to the meaning of the poem? Be sure to provide evidence
and support from the poem to explain how you came up with the answer.