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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. A strong poem often contains a:

2. What poet is used as a reference?

3. Which of the following is not included among the required elements in this section?

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

5. The poem in this section should contain how many lines as a minimum?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the drawings used in "Your Mother's Kitchen" affect the final outcome of the poems?

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

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

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

5. Explain the steps used in "Five Easy Pieces."

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

7. Why are tabloids good fodder for poetry?

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

9. Why does Rita Dove choose to use a kitchen as a point of reference for a poem?

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

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

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 656 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample