POETRY NOTEBOOK

ENGLISH I

Over the next few weeks, you will be exposed to different poetry types. You will choose from the poems in the book and poems you find on your own to compile a poetry notebook. This assignment will be worth 100 points. A grading rubric has been provided so you will know exactly what I am looking for.

Include a cover sheet on plain copy paper with your name, a title for your notebook, and your class block.

Include a table of contents with a list of all of your poem titles and authors in order of appearance. Poems by other poets are always in quotations; your original poems will not have quotation marks or underlining, but you do capitalize where appropriate.

Your poetry notebook will consist of 8 poems total.

  • You will find and use 4 poems from another poet. You are not allowed to use poems discussed in class. Copy the poem on one side of the paper exactly as the poet wrote it and write your paragraph on the other.
  • The other 4 poems will be original, meaning you will write them. You will use the poems we write in class together, but also create some on your own using your own style. Three of your poems must include styles written in the following format: free verse, haiku, sonnet, limerick, or acrostic. You need to write a paragraph about these poems as well.

A paragraph 50-100 words long will accompany each poem.

  • Include a description of the topic of the poem
  • Tell who your audience is
  • The mood
  • The tone
  • Any literary devices used in the poem. Do not only tell me the literary device but underline it in your poem.
  • State the theme of the poem and explain how it might relate to your life

You will be graded on standard grammar usage, spelling, length (50-100 words), and the clarity of your paragraphs.

Typing the poems is optional, and if you use a computer you will receive extra credit on your final grade. If you do not, handwritten poems in blue or black ink will be accepted and your grade will not suffer. Shredded notebook edges, however, will not be accepted. Illustrations to accompany poems are welcomed, but by no means mandatory.