1. 7 TYPES OF POEMS & THEIR IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS

2. LIMERICKS 5 lines Usually funny (can be even “raunchy”) Usually AABBA rhyme scheme

3. FREE VERSE Follows no rules No regular line length No regular rhythm No regular rhyme No regular line placement

4. CONCRETE POEMS Take the shape of the poems subject Sometimes called “shape poetry” or “visual poetry”

5. SONNETS 14 lines Definite rhyme scheme Two major types: – 1. Petrarchan (Italian) – 2. Shakespearean (English)

6. ODES Meant to praise or glorify a person, object, or event Usually uses a serious or dignified tone (even if the overall poem is funny) Original odes were intended to be set to music

7. HAIKUS 3 lines – 1st line has only 5 syllables – 2nd line has only 7 syllables – 3rd line has only 5 syllables Subject of poem usually involves nature (but not always)

8. BALLADS Tells a story – Has a plot, setting, & characters Usually uses 4 line stanzas (quatrains) but not always Often has a tragic ending Often has a refrain (repeated line or lines) Originally intended to be set to music

9. Now let’s see how good you are at identifying some examples!