Assignment Sheet
Poetry Unit
Mrs. T. Stokes
For the next few weeks we are going to be studying poetry. The poet Marianne Moore
defines poetry as “imaginary gardens with real toads in them.” As we study and read
different kinds of poetry, it is my desire that this definition will become more “real” to
you. We will look at vocabulary necessary for discussing poetry, as well as different
poetic forms. You will also be challenging your creativity in creating your own poetry
books at the end of this unit. We will be examining the vocabulary and forms of poetry
each day in class. You will get to do a lot of creating during class.
The following is a list of assignments that you will be required to complete over the
course of the next several weeks, the items that you are responsible for having in your
poetry book, and the items you need to know for the end of unit test.
Vocabulary – You will be responsible for defining the following words and turning them
in on the due date.
1. poetry 7. figurative 12. hyperbole 18. repetition
2. cinquain language 13. imagery 19. stanza
3. clerihew 8. symbolism 14. onomatopoeia 20. verse
4. terse verse 9. personification 15. alliteration
5. limerick 10. metaphor 16. sensory
6. free verse 11. simile 17. couplet
Poetic Forms – You are responsible for knowing the different forms of poetry, as well as
complete the following assignments.
Traditional Poetry – “Most traditional forms of poetry follow exact patterns of rhyme
and rhythm.”
1. Create 2 cinquain poems - one syllable cinquain and one word cinquain.
2. Create 1 limerick.
3. Create 1 personification poem.
4. Create 1 sensory poem.
Invented Poetry – “The nice thing about poetry is that you – the poet – can create not
only the message, but also the form.” Invented forms of poetry allow you to be creative
without fear of doing it wrong.
5. Create 2 free verse poems.
6. Create 1 clerihew poem.
7. Create 3 terse verse poems.
8. Create 1 acrostic poem.
9. Create 1 picture poem.
10. Create 1 crystal moment poem.
11. Create 1 definition poem.
12. Create 1 metaphor poem.
13. Create 1 Mother’s Day poem (Need I say more?) You may use a guardian,
grandmother, aunt, sister, or any special female in your life.
14. Create 1 Father’s Day poem. (Need I say more?) You may use a guardian,
grandfather, uncle, brother, or any special male in your life.
15. Create 1 Haiku poem.
16. Create 1 self poem
Poetry Book
By the time you have completed this assignment sheet you will have 20 poems. You
are to have 20 original typed-written poems configured into a book format. 5 of
these poems must come from the traditional poetry section and the other 15 will
come from invented poetry. You should add illustrations, clip art, color etc. You
may add extra poems. Have fun with this assignment!!!!! Be creative and Give it all
you have!!!!!!!!!!
This project is due Friday, May 18, 2009. A lot of creating poems will be done in
class. PLEASE COME PREPARED DAILY, READY TO THINK AND TO BE
CREATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!