The Poetry Essay
30-Second Summary: In the poetry essay, you will read a poem and analyze it. The prompt will ask you to analyze a concept in the piece, such as the narrator's attitude toward a topic. Break the poem into 2-4 logical sections and answer that question differently for each section; i.e., what is the narrator's attitude in the first section? How does it change in the second section? The third and fourth? Try to select 1-2 literary techniques you feel actually help you see the answer to the question. For example, perhaps the speaker's diction helps you identify their tone through the connotations of their words. In your conclusion, try to address how this poem applies in the real world by providing a brief discussion of the theme it presents.
1. Read the prompt twice, identifying your task.
2. Read the passage twice, first for general understanding and second for shifts.
3. Break the poem into 2-4 logical sections based on the shifts you identified.
4. Each of those sections becomes a body paragraph. Just answer the question in the prompt separately for each section.
5. In your conclusion, cover your main points again quickly, and then move on to exploring a theme in the poem.
The Formula:
1. Read the prompt twice, identifying your task.
2. Read the passage twice, first for general understanding and second for shifts.
3. Break the poem into 2-4 logical sections based on the shifts you identified.
4. Each of those sections becomes a body paragraph. Just answer the question in the prompt separately for each section.
5. In your conclusion, cover your main points again quickly, and then move on to exploring a theme in the poem.
The Formula:
Poetry Passage Timed Writings
All prompts through 2016
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Timed Writing Passage #1
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Timed Writing Passage #2
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Timed Writing Passage #3
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