Elements of Poetry

Which statement describes a major difference between a traditional poem and a free verse poem?

• A traditional poem may contain alliteration, but a free verse poem does not contain this sound device.
• A traditional poem may contain regular meter and rhyme scheme, but a free verse poem does not contain these elements.
• A traditional poem may contain rhyme and figurative language, but a free verse poem does not contain these elements.
• A traditional poem may contain imagery, but a free verse poem does not relay vivid images to the reader.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

The rain has stopped
And I hear birds
in the distance.
They've emerged from the trees
And are filling the air with
Crisp, precise notes.
The sun is peeking out from behind a few stubborn clouds. 
The heavy puddles reflect its light
The wet grass gleams, and 
The leaves patiently wait for the
Raindrops to fall.
My umbrella sits, beaten down and tired.
I put it away and step outside.
A ray of sun stabs at me
And I gleefully squint.
Which answer choice best describes the elements used in this free verse poem?

• irregular line breaks and clear images
• very long lines containing complete sentences
• details that describe a humorous scene
• word choices that make readers feel depressed

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which line of poetry displays onomatopoeia?

• I was told of his bold actions.
• The rope slowly floated away.
• I listened to the frogs croak and the geese squawk.
• The cat crawled over the concrete wall.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which line of poetry includes an example of assonance?

• The frantic flocks cried out in fear.
• I felt the tide glide over my tired feet.
• The dazzling fire sizzled and crackled.
• My stomach stabbed at me as I walked.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Read this excerpt from a poem.  Which element does it contain?
A strong wind clamors against the old back gate
And rattles at window in a vicious spate.
There's a crashing of a shutter,
And the candles start to flutter,
When the brawny howling wind accelerates.

• rhyme scheme
• alliteration
• simile
• exaggeration

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9