1. Poetry Sometimes can be challenging to understand
It capitalizes on the use of figurative language to send a powerful message or idea
Poetry tests your ability to analyze language and both figurative and thematic elements

2. Key Elements of Analyzing Poetry
Always read the title first
Read the poem several times
Count the number of lines in the poem

3. Always Read the Title first
Although extremely simplistic, it is very important.
Do not jump right to the poem, as it will give the fundamental clues as to meaning, subject, or message of the poem.

4. Read the Poem Several Times
Read the poem several times in order to grasp everything the poet wants you to take from the work.
These are close reading, that actively engage in the poem.
First read is all about grasping the feeling and the way the words flow.
The following readings should be devoted to interpreting the meaning.

5. Count the Number of Lines in the Poem
This may already be done for you, but if it isn’t, take a few seconds to number the lines

6. Poetry Terms and Vocabulary
Poetry has its own vocabulary.

7. Stanza A stanza is simply a chunk of lines in a poem
It is similar to a paragraph in a story.
The exam may ask you to evaluate a particular stanza, so you must be familiar with this term and its meaning.

8. Rhyme Rhyme is how the poet connects words that have similar sounds.
Remember that not all “good” poems have to rhyme – in fact, many great poems do not rhyme.
Rhyme scheme is the ordered pattern at the end of each line (ie. aabbcca)

9. Rhythm
Rhythm is the flow of the words of a poem and how they connect to make a certain sound when read aloud.
A poem that has good rhythm is similar to a song – you can detect a definite beat.

10. Tone and Mood
Tone and mood typically deal with words that relate to emotion.
Tone is the emotion or emotions that the author/narrator is experiencing.
Mood is the emotion or emotions that the reader is experiencing.

11. Theme Theme is the important message that the poem is trying to send.
Theme is NOT a summary of a poem.
A theme is more than one word that typically deals with important issues that we face, lessons we learn from our experiences, and problems that we encounter throughout life.

12. Form Form is the way the poem actually appears on the page.
Form takes into account how the words are placed, how many lines are in each stanza, and how many stanzas are in a poem.
Form is important because poetry is such an open art that the poet can structure a poem any way he or she likes.
By analyzing form, you force yourself to take a deeper look at the poem.

13. Rhyming Couplets
A Rhyming Couplet is two line of the same length that rhyme and complete one thought. There is no limit to the length of the lines. 
Rhyming words are words that sound the same when spoken, they don't necessarily have to be spelt the same.