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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of Maxine Kumin's contribution?

2. The first exercise is directed to examine initial encounters with what item?

3. How many exercises are appropriate for group work?

4. A strong poem often contains a:

5. Students are required to avoid what item in their work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the purpose of "Translations: Idea to Change."

2. Why does Rita Dove ask students to use crayons to draw pictures of their homes?

3. Explain the exercise involving a copy of "The Peasant Wedding" by Bruegel.

4. What are the two steps required in the exercise in "As/like/Finish the Sentence?"

5. Why are tabloids good fodder for poetry?

6. What is the main purpose of "The Things of This World: Image and Metaphor?"

7. What is the general purpose of THE PRACTICE OF POETRY by Robin Behn?

8. Explain how acting as a narrator for the famous encounter might change the tone of the finished poem?

9. Explain the four abstractions and what students are required to do with them.

10. What is the purpose of wearing a costume or mask when writing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Deborah Digges introduces construction and deconstruction in "Block, Pillar, Slab, and Beam." Compare and contrast the two methods. State which you think is more effective in learning about poetry. Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Ann Lauterbach introduces students to a new way of looking at language in "First Words." Explain Lauterbach's beliefs regarding beginning poets and their preconceived notions. Do you agree think that preconceived notions of language can be a hindrance? Are the preconceptions more or less difficult when working with a foreign language as opposed to English? How can one overcome these preconceived notions and habits? Give an example of at least three words that may conjure up preconceived notions and create an alternative view for each.

Essay Topic 3

In "Estrangement and Reconciliation: The Self has it Out with the Self" Leslie Ullman requires the poet to have a poetic argument with oneself. What is the purpose of the exercise? Choose one of the following:

1. Write a series of poems featuring the two sides of self involved in an ethical dilemma. Be sure to represent each side equally.

2. Write a series of poems from the perspective of a person with a personality disorder, such as multiple personalities.

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