Understanding Poetry: A Quiz

Poetry written with a precise meter—almost always iambic pentameter—that does not rhyme.

• Limerick

• Blank Verse

• Haiku

• Free Verse

Answer explanation

Blank verse is poetry written in iambic pentameter without rhyme, making it distinct from forms like limericks and haikus, which have specific structures and rhyme schemes. Thus, the correct answer is blank verse.

A group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem; a verse.

• Stanza

• Epics

• Tercet

• Syllable

Answer explanation

A stanza is a group of lines that forms a basic recurring metrical unit in a poem, making it the correct choice. Other options like epics, tercets, and syllables do not define this specific structure.

The ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem or verse.

• Rhyme Scheme

• Couplet

• Sestet

• Meter

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Rhyme Scheme' as it refers to the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines in a poem. Other options like Couplet and Sestet refer to specific structures, while Meter relates to rhythm.

A form of poetry that tells a story, such as "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere".

• Narrative Poem

• Epic

• Free Verse

• Blank Verse

Answer explanation

A narrative poem tells a story through verse, making it the correct choice for describing works like 'The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere'. Other options like epic, free verse, and blank verse do not specifically denote storytelling.

Long, often book-length narrative in verse that retells the heroic journey of a single person, such as Beowulf or Homer's The Odyssey.

• Blank Verse

• Narrative Poem

• Epic Poem

• Free Verse

Answer explanation

An epic poem is a long narrative in verse that recounts the heroic journey of a single person, exemplified by works like Beowulf and The Odyssey. This distinguishes it from other forms like narrative or free verse.

A set or group of three lines of verse rhyming together.

• Tercet

• Quatrain

• Couplet

• Cinquain

Answer explanation

A tercet is a group of three lines of verse that rhyme together. In contrast, a couplet consists of two lines, a quatrain has four lines, and a cinquain has five lines. Therefore, the correct answer is tercet.

Which of the following sentences contains an example of personification?

• The sun smiled down on the field, warming the flowers gently.

• The dog barked loudly at the mailman.

• The car sped down the highway at 70 miles per hour.

• The leaves were green and glossy in the sunlight.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'The sun smiled down on the field, warming the flowers gently.' uses personification by giving the sun the human ability to smile, which adds emotion to the description.

Two lines of verse, usually in the same meter and joined by a rhyme.

• Sestet

• Couplet

• Tercet

• Quatrain

Answer explanation

A couplet consists of two lines of verse that are usually in the same meter and rhyme with each other. This matches the definition provided in the question, making 'Couplet' the correct answer.

A three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Often focusing on images from nature, it emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.

• Ode

• Elegy

• Blank Verse

• Haiku

Answer explanation

The poem described is a haiku, which consists of three lines with a 5/7/5 syllable structure. It often captures nature and emphasizes simplicity and directness, distinguishing it from other forms like ode or elegy.

A stanza of four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes.

• Quatrain

• Stanza

• Syllable

• Cinquain

Answer explanation

A quatrain is a stanza of four lines, often with alternating rhymes. This matches the definition provided in the question, making 'quatrain' the correct answer, while the other options do not fit this description.