UNSEEN POETRY ESSAY FORMAT

Introduction: Keep it brief but…

 Explain what the poem is about. It might be helpful to do this chronologically, considering the ideas in each stanza.
 Comment on any hidden (subliminal) meanings or messages in the poem.
 Identify the speaker in the poem and the tone they adopt.
 Introduce the set question and ensure that you focus on the three bullet points.

Paragraph (write at least one for each bullet point) In every paragraph, you must answer the question.
 POINT - The poet (or poet´s name) uses (the) figurative language/ a semantic field of/ exclamative sentences/
Relate each and everysentences/
complex paragraph simple
to the key words within
sentences/ the question
interrogative questions/ repetition/ imperatives/ alliteration/ imagery/
oxymoron/ juxtaposition/antithesis/ adjective/ adverb/ verb/ pronoun/ symbolism/simile/ metaphor/ rhyme/
rhythm/ caesura/ punctuation/ anaphora to present/ convey/ suggest/ create
 EVIDENCE – peppered throughout. Ensure that it is embedded as part of a sentence.
 EFFECT- ANALYSE LANGUAGE/ STRUCTURE
Layer up/ unpack the quotation by analysing three features of it. Explore different interpretations. Evaluate
the effect on the reader- tension, atmosphere, conflict, mood, empathy, sympathy, beliefs, feelings, provokes
thought.
 CONTEXT- ONLY IF OBVIOUS. Try to consider when and where the poet was writing and how these factors
might have influenced their work. Perhaps include some ideas about their religious or political beliefs if
possible. THIS IS NOT ESSENTIAL
 EXPLORED PERSONAL RESPONSE- I believe, my reaction to this is, in my opinion, successfully, effectively,

STRUCTURE Stock Phrases

 Stanzas, Quatrains (4), Tercets (3), Couplets (2)

 On one hand, this could be interpretated as…..
How do ideas develop as the poem progresses?
 This adjective connotes………….
 Free verse
 The imagery here is effective because…….
 Rhyme- (is it regular or irregular and what
 Another interpretation is that…………….
effect does this create?)
 A ……………tone is established which makes the reader
 Rhythm- (is it regular or irregular and what
feel…..
effect does this create?)
 The poet´s message might be………………………
 Form- is the poem a sonnet? Is it a lyrical
 Implicitly, this could suggest…………………
poem? Is it a narrative poem?
 The volta might imply…………………………..
 Anaphora
 The poet explores the theme/s………………….
 Caesura
 A regular rhyme/rhythm is employed to portray the……
 Antithesis
 The use of free verse might reflect the………
 Juxtaposition
 Oxymoron  The writer´s choice of lexis creates…….
 Pathetic fallacy  The reader might feel…….
 Sound patterning- alliteration, fricatives,  The use of
Have you:
plosives, sibilance, repetition …… is
1. Written in PEACE?
 Volta foregrounded to….
2. Used terminology?
3. Analysed language?
LANGUAGE 4. Analysed structure?
 Adjectives, verbs, adverbs, pronouns 5. Explored different
 Semantic Field interpretations?
 Figurative language-similes, metaphors, personification, anthropomorphism 6. Related back to
 Imagery context (if possible?)
7. Explored the effects
 Symbolism
on the reader?
 Prepositions
8. Linked to the
 Use of tenses
question?
 Tone