A poem is a unique way of expressing an idea or emotion. It has its own language - one of sound and imagery. Your task is to create a poetry portfolio. You may choose to do this on paper and submit it to me in a duo-tang or you may create a power point. You will be required to research different types of poems and then write your own original poetry.

Task #1 Define the following literary devices used to create sound patterns and give an original example of each.
  • alliteration
  • assonance
  • consonance
  • onomatopoeia
  • rhyme
  • internal rhyme
  • end rhyme

Task #2 Poets use imagery to create pictures with words. Figurative language helps readers picture something familiar in a new way. Define the following and give original examples of each.
  • simile
  • metaphor
  • personification
  • symbolism
  • hyperbole

Task #3 Research how to write the following types of poems and then write your own originals. You must also include an illustration to go with each of your poems. Add some color to make it appealing.
  • Acrostic poem
  • Cinquain(2)
  • Diamante
  • Couplets (2), triplets (2) and quatrain(1)
  • Autobiographical poem
  • Haiku (2)
  • Free Verse

Shadow Poetry is a great place to begin your research!

Poetry requires that you use the writing process too:

external image vnd.ms-powerpoint.png
external image vnd.ms-powerpoint.png
Poetry and the Writing Process.ppt


Are you having trouble finding words that rhyme? Try Rhyme Zone


Task #4 Music is poetry! Choose a song that you really like...make sure that it is school appropriate. Find the lyrics to your song and include them in your portfolio (if you are creating a power point, just include the link where I can find the lyrics). Read the lyrics over several times and then answer the following questions:
  1. What genre is this song? (rock,country, heavy metal, etc)
  2. What is the song about? What is its story?
  3. What message is the song trying to convey to the listener?
  4. What is the tone of the song?
  5. What three poetic sound devices (assonance, consonance, alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme) can you find? Write the lines in which you find each device and explain.
  6. What two figurative devices (metaphor, simile, symbolism, imager, personification) can you find in the lyrics? Write the lines and explain each one.
  7. Why did you choose this particular song?
  8. Please create an illustration to go along with your song. What do you imagine in your mind when you listen to this song?

Task #5 Create a title page for your poetry portfolio and submit it. Due date: Thursday, March 1st.