How to Write the Poetry Essay
Tips from:
5 Steps to a 5 : AP Literature
Working the Prompt: 1-3 Minutes
• Carefully read the question to digest what it is
asking you to do.
• WHY?
A. You will read in a more directed manner
B. Once you internalize the question, you will
be sensitive to the details that will apply
C. Once you know what has to be addressed,
you can write an essay that STICKS TO THE
TOPIC
The Prompt
• “such as” = you do not have to use only those
ideas; you may use your own selection as well
• Notice if the prompt requires more than one
technique
A. If so, ONE WILL NOT BE ENOUGH
YOU HAVE 2 MINUTES.
Reading the poem: 3 minutes
YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES
Preparing to write: 8 minutes
• Use highlighting, arrows, circles, underlining,
notes, numbers, and whatever you need to make
the connections clear
• Ignore what you don’t immediately understand
• Concentrate on the parts you marked that could
address the prompt
• Remember you are not supposed to be
exhaustive!
• NEVER SKIP THIS STEP. IT IS THE KEY TO THE
HIGH SCORE ESSAY.
Review the prompt: 2 minutes
• When you look at your notes, categories should
pop out at you
• Contrasts, Shifts, Figurative language, Imagery,
Structure, etc.
• ONLY LOOK AT WHAT APPLIES TO THE PROMPT!
• Decide which categories apply to the prompt
• If you expand the techniques/devices in each of
the categories into interpretive statements and
SUPPORT those with details you isolate from the
poem, YOU WILL BE WRITING A WELL-DEFENDED
ESSAY
Introduction: 5 minutes
• Introduction sets the tone for your essay and
raises the expectations of the reader
• Be certain your topic is very clear.
• Identify both the text and poet in this first
paragraph.
• YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES.
Introduction: Double check
1. Have you included the poet and the title?
2. Have you addressed the elements from the
prompt?
3. Have you specifically mentioned the
techniques/devices you will address?
4. DO NOT ADDRESS THE READER DIRECTLY!!!
(don’t say you are writing an essay, don’t use
the words “you” or ‘”I”)
Body paragraphs: 15-20 minutes
1. Present your interpretation and the points
you wish to make that are related to the
prompt
2. Use specific references and details from the
poem
A. Refer directly to the original; don’t always
paraphrase
B. Use quotation marks
Body paragraphs: 15-20 minutes
3. Use “connective tissue” to establish adherence
to the question
A. Use the repetition of key ideas from your
opening paragraph
B. Use “echo words” (i.e. synonyms such as
insight can be
inference/observation/perception; fear can be
apprehension/insecurity)
C. Use transitions!
YOU HAVE 20 MINUTES.
Conclusion: 1 minute
• Does not have to be a paragraph
• It can be a final remark, observation, or
reference
• It may only be a sentence or two
• You have ONE minute.