Poetry Comprehension Poetry can sometimes seem quite complicated. So it is especially important that you learn how to understand it.

As with any comprehension test, read it through once, then read the questions. Now skim through the poem again looking for the answers. Carefully re-read these parts. Don’t rely on your memory. Playground Plea Eyes shining Face glowing Heart racing Blood pumping When will they pick me? Feet shuffling Smile fading Hands clenching Mouth drying Chest tightening Throat aching Eyes pleading Fear growing Will they pick me? Shoulders slumping Hope fading Face falling Tears threatening Why don’t they EVER pick me? Lynn Huggins-Cooper

Write down how the poet builds the tension in this poem Write down how the poet builds the tension in this poem. Are the patterns she used effective? Do they make us understand how the child is feeling?

Clenching Pleading Slumping What are the meaning of these words. You can use a dictionary for help. Suggest why the poet would choose these words. Clenching Pleading Slumping

Why do you think using verbs ending in ‘ing’ at the end of many of the lines was effective in building tension in the poem? Now you have your own comprehension to complete. Will you follow this advice?