Poetic Structure

What is the purpose of repetition in a poem? (More than one correct answer)

• To strengthen a feeling or idea

• To help you remember better

• To create rhythm

• To develop a sense of urgency

Answer explanation

Repetition is used to strengthen a feeling or idea, create a sense of urgency, and create rhythm.

While it usually is easier to remember repetitive things, that is not it's purpose.

What do you use to identify rhyme scheme (or the pattern) in a poem?

Answer explanation

To identify rhyme scheme you will use letters (ABCD).

For example:

Roses are red (A)

Violets are blue (B)

I can't have gluten (C)

Oh, how I miss bread (B)

What is the purpose of a line break? (More than one answer)

• To help create rhythm.

• To create tension.

• To speed up or slow down.

• To give predictability.

Answer explanation

All are correct except to give predictability. Line breaks can create a rhythm, speed up or slow down the poem, or create tension.

What is a stanza?

Answer explanation

A stanza is a small section of a poem made up of one or more lines.

Remember, they look like paragraphs.

Do you like reading or writing poetry? (Can choose more than one)

• Yes, I like reading poetry.

• No, I do not like reading poetry.

• Yes, I like writing poetry.

• No, I do not like writing poetry.