GCSE Poetry – Key Terms

In your exam, you must talk about as many of these techniques as possible. Complete the final
column with the names of poems that use that technique.

Technique Definition Poems that use it

Simile A comparison using like or as

Metaphor A direct comparison between things with the use

of like or as
Alliteration Letters starting successive words that are all the
same
Assonance The rhyming of vowel sounds in successive
words: Row, row, row your boat
Enjambment A phrase that runs over onto the next line to
create an effect
End-stopped A phrase that stops at the end of a line, signalled
line by punctuation
Caesura A pause in the middle of a line (signalled by
punctuation) that implies natural speech or
encourages emphasis
Couplet A pair of lines that rhyme

Quatrain A group of 4 lines linked by rhyme scheme, or by

subject matter
Iambic 10 syllables to a line, every-other syllable
pentameter stressed. Creates the sound of a heartbeat.
Iambic 8 syllables to a line, every-other syllable stressed.
tetrameter A quick, snappy rhythm
Half-rhyme A pair of words that almost rhyme, or look like
they should rhyme but don’t when spoken aloud:
bodies – ladies
Hyperbole A deliberate over-exaggeration for emphasis

Onomatopoeia Words used to imitate sounds

Blank verse Poetry that doesn’t rhyme, but is in iambic

pentameter. Usually used to show real speech
Refrain A phrase, line, or group of lines that is repeated
throughout the poem
Personification Nonhuman things are given human
characteristics
Stress Emphasis given to a particular syllables or words
Symbol A word, phrase or image that ‘stands for’
something else
Stanza A verse in poetry
 Poetic forms

Poetic forms have very specific names, and quite often they cover very specific subject matter.

Technique Definition Poems in that form

Sonnet A poem about love

Dramatic A poem that suggests the character in the

monologue poem is talking directly to the reader as if they
were part of the story or in conversation
Pastoral poem Poems that paints the countryside in a very
idealised way
Lyric poem A poem that seems to express the poet’s
feelings
Ghazal A poem that is made up of rhyming couplets
and a refrain. Possible themes: unrequited
love
Ballad A poem that tells a story

Writing about form

You should try to understand the forms of the poems (the way they are constructed). Look at the
number and the length of the lines and stanzas - are they regular? Irregular? Do the lines have a
similar length, or do they look random? Are there any very short, direct, lines?

Language and sound

There are certain features of language that you should look out for in poetry and write about in
your exam. Try to find examples of them in the text and think about what effect they have. Why
do the poets use that particular feature? What are they trying to convey?

* The choice of adjectives (describing words). They might be simple or complex.

* Any images or symbols that convey particular ideas.
* The use of any techniques such as simile, metaphor or onomatopoeia.

Sound
Some people find writing about sound difficult because you need to read the poem aloud to hear
what it sounds like. Try to answer the following questions when you are considering the sounds in
poetry:
* Does the poet use rhyme or echoing sounds to reinforce the meaning?
* Does the poet use repetition to emphasise certain words?
* Does the poet use a definite rhythm throughout the poem, or in part of the poem, which
reinforces the meaning?
Useful words to use in your exam Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally

To describe what a poet’s intentions are: To compare or contrast:

Portrays Whereas
Depicts In comparison
Illustrates In contrast
Exposes However
Presents Although
Paints a picture of On the other hand
Represents Likewise
Demonstrates Similarly
Embodies - (v) Represent or express in But
tangible form Yet
Nevertheless
To give an example or quotation: Nonetheless
For example Even so
For instance All the same
In particular
Particularly - Specifically or especially To conclude:
distinguished from others For the aforementioned reasons
Specifically For the aforementioned reasons, there is no
To illustrate my point doubt that
To demonstrate this idea Given these facts
In conclusion
For use instead of ‘connotation’ or In closing
‘connotes’: To conclude
Implies
Suggests
Evokes Some extra help!
Conjures up
Invokes in the reader Words for ‘good’ (because the examiner
Instils in the reader really doesn’t want to hear that!)

To add more information: Magnificent

Besides - Making an additional point; anyway Fantastic
Furthermore Wonderful
In addition Extraordinary
Moreover Superb
Likewise Great
Indeed – In truth Excellent
In fact Spectacular
Also Brilliant
As well Glorious - Bringing great happiness and
Foremost - Ranking above all others thankfulness
(“Foremost in Shakespeare’s mind is the Notable - Worthy of notice
reality of love”). Impressive
Splendid
Resplendent - Having great beauty and
splendour, richly and brilliantly colourful
Formidable - Extremely impressive in
strength or excellence
Prowess
Superior
Terrific
Tremendous
Wondrous - Extraordinarily good
Wonderful
Sublime - Inspiring awe, lifted up or set high
Outshine - Attract more attention and praise
than others
Paramount - Having superior power and
influence
Predominant

Words for to add intensity

Incredibly
Exceedingly
Extremely
Extraordinarily
Truly
Really
Very
Utterly - Completely and without equal
Absolutely
Perfectly
Dramatically

Now add your own:

Words for evil:

Words for bad:

Words to describe characters: