1. English and Italian

2. A fourteen-line poem, usually written in iambic pentameter. Iamb: Type of metrical foot used in a poem. It is composed of two syllables with the stress on the second syllable. Ex: da-DUM (weak-STRONG) Pentameter: Five metric feet per line. Iambic pentameter means that each line of the poem consists of five iambic feet.

3. Ten syllables in each line Five pairs of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables The rhythm in each line sounds like: da-DUM / da-DUM / da-DUM / da-DUM / da-DUM weak STRONG / weak STRONG / weak STRONG / weak STRONG / weak STRONG

4. English/Shakespearean Has three four-line units (stanzas) and ends with a couplet. Rhyme Scheme: A, B, A, B C, D, C, D E, F, E, F G, G Poses a question or makes a point in the first eight lines. The last six lines respond to that questions or point. Rhyme Scheme: A, B, B, A C, D, E Italian/Petrarchan

5. Must be written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line) Must be written in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line) 14 lines total 14 lines total Can be either Shakespearean or Italian Can be either Shakespearean or Italian Must follow the rhyme scheme of the style Must follow the rhyme scheme of the style you choose Asks a question and then answers it Asks a question and then answers it Use of imagery Use of imagery Note: This is just a starting point. Although you may NOT exceed 14 lines and the iambic pentameter guidelines, you can incorporate other literary devices to enhance your poetry. Note: This is just a starting point. Although you may NOT exceed 14 lines and the iambic pentameter guidelines, you can incorporate other literary devices to enhance your poetry.