When you don’t know where to start Formula poetry When you don’t know where to start

Formula poems help you use words effectively Formula poems help you use words effectively.   Using parts of speech and literary devices help to make your work lively and exciting.

1. Simile-Synonym Poem Choose a primary word (subject) for your poem Find four synonyms for the word (use a thesaurus to help you) Write the 4 synonyms on the first line Remember to capitalize the first word and use commas to separate the others Line 1 ends with a dash (-) Write a simile for the primary word

Examples (primary word in bold) Still, hushed, peaceful, silent – As quiet as a class on Saturday. Gabby, chatty, wordy, loquacious – As talkative as a class with the teacher out of the room

2. Open-End Poem With Metaphor Choose a primary word (subject) It is the title Write 3 lines that say something about the subject or give an idea about what it is like The last line is a metaphor that begins with the title. It might sum up what you wrote on the other lines

Example 1 Pollution Poison in the river Poison in the air Poison in our bodies Pollution is the enemy in the Third World War

Example 2 Love Two hands held tightly Two faces laughing Two dreams in one Love is a circle

3. Adverb Model The first line of the poem names the adverb (ends in ly) and is followed by a dash. The lines between the first and the last all begin with the adverb and describe a specific image. They can be similes. The last line of the poem names the adverb and is followed by an ellipsis…

Adverb Model Rhyme Scheme Adverb ………. a Adverb ………. b Adverb…

Adverb Model Example Deadly – Deadly as a vicious viper, Deadly as a dirty diaper, Deadly as a dog with rabies, Deadly as a bear with babies, Deadly as falling plane, Deadly as a man insane, Deadly…

4. Adjective-Verb Model Phrase – descriptive situation, Adjective, It and a verb, Verb

Adjective-Verb Example Graveyard The graveyard at night looks, spooky, scary, It screeches, screams.

The Sunset The sunset far off looks, miraculous, magical, It melts, mixes.

5. Write an Instant Noun + Adjective + Phrase = Poem Method: Line1 Noun Line2 Four adjectives separated with commas Line3 phrase describing what the noun does Line4 another phrase describing what the noun does Line5 another phrase describing what the noun does

Example Digital camera Composing, focusing, flashing, recording, To freeze the moment To feed the spirit To make flowers bloom forever

Instant Poetry website http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm