Poem Explication Essay
Outline/Rough Draft Worksheet
Introduction
Be sure that your intro includes the following information:
Title of the poem: _____________________________________
Poet’s name: _____________________________________
(For the first reference, use the author’s first and last names; for all subsequent references, use the last
name only)
Your introduction might also include some of the following contextual information before the presentation of
your thesis:
the original publication place of the poem
the characteristics for which your poet is most noted
the name of the literary movements or groups with which the poet is associated
typical characteristics of the poem’s specific genre
the reputation of the poem
the reputation of the poet
Central argument or perspective: __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Three main points or areas where this is seen:
#1 __________________________________________
#2 __________________________________________
#3 __________________________________________
Thesis Statement (central argument + three main points): ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Use the “W’s X Ys by Z” method for your thesis statement.
W = your poet’s name
X = the selected poem
Y = the central argument or perspective
Z = the 3 main points or areas that contribute to Y
Persuasive Support in Body Paragraphs:
1st Body Paragraph Topic: _______________________________________________
Summary, Quote or Fact
#1 __________________________________________
#2 __________________________________________
#3 __________________________________________
2nd Body Paragraph Topic: ______________________________________________
Summary, Quote or Fact
#1 __________________________________________
#2 __________________________________________
#3 __________________________________________
3rd Body Paragraph Topic: ______________________________________________
Summary, Quote or Fact
#1 __________________________________________
#2 __________________________________________
#3 __________________________________________
Concluding Paragraph
Restate your thesis and key points. Use different words.
Quotes
Quoted material should be blended with your own words in a way that is easy for the reader to follow and that
supports your thesis.
Quotes CANNOT stand alone.
Never refer to the quote itself (This quote says…or, In this quote you will see…).
Include line numbers for all quoted material.
Incorporate (blend) all quotes within sentences. Follow these rules for quoting poetry in essay form:
1-2 lines of poetry – “________ / _________”
Quote the spelling and punctuation exactly as it appears in the poem.
3+ lines of poetry – start on a new line, indent twice (1 inch) and type the poem exactly as written