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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. "As/Like/Finish the Sentence" requires students to write:

2. How many lists are students required to save?

3. The author includes part of a poem including:

4. In this section, students are encouraged to write about what topic?

5. The author wants students to choose what kind of location?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the purpose of using dream notebooks and existing journal entries?

3. Explain the purpose of presenting exercises to be used in groups.

4. Why is it important to teach beginning poets about the use of specific images?

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

6. Explain the process used in "A Journey to Nowhere" by Susan Snively.

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

8. What will students gain by completing the exercise in "First Words?"

9. Explain the technique and purpose behind the exercise in "The Widow."

10. Why are tabloids good fodder for poetry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Examine and explain the steps used in "Twenty Little Poetry Projects" by Jim Simmerman. Which steps are the most important? Are there any that are redundant or unnecessary? Explain. Create a poem using this technique.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 635 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample