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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 the first section?

2. What are these items called?

3. Exercises in this section give students:

4. "Tabloid Tone Exercise" is designed to show the poets how to express:

5. "One's-Self, En Masse" begins with a quote by which famous poet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are tabloids good fodder for poetry?

2. Why are students required to write a serious poem about a tabloid story?

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

4. Explore Leslie Ullman's contribution to this section. Why would one argue with oneself?

5. What is the technique outlined in "A Little Night Music: the Narrative Metaphor?"

6. Why does Michael Pettit refer to the work of Walt Whitman?

7. What is the purpose of "The Unconscious As Gold Mine?"

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

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

10. Why is it important to experience writing in another person's voice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Widow" students are required to write through the eyes of a woman whose husband has recently drowned. Explain in detail how you would put yourself in the widow's shoes? What techniques might you employ to create a complete and believable character study of the widow? Would your writing experience be easier or more difficult if you had experienced the same tragedy?

Essay Topic 2

One of the fun exercises in the book can be found in "Tabloid Tone Exercise." Choose one of the following topics:

1. What is the author's purpose for introducing tabloids as part of a serious writing exercise? Is the exercise meant to be taken seriously? What is the end goal of the exercise? Is it an attainable goal? Explain.

2. Choose a feature story from one of the tabloids and re-write it as a real news item that might be found in a respected newspaper. What are the challenges? Are you pleased with the outcome?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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