HOW DO I WRITE A POETRY ESSAY?

• Focus on the question topic.

How has the poet presented [topic] in the poem?
• Look at your annotations- what could the devices you have highlighted show/tell us about the
poet’s views on [topic]?
• Invent an explanation for three to four of your strongest devices!
• Structure your essay around these three to four thematic points.

• For example:
How has the poet presented love?
1. HYPERBOLE: As overwhelming
2. IRREGULAR RHYME SCHEME: As something difficult to contain or define.
3. SONNET FORM: Poet presents love as timeless/ classic.
4. ENJAMBMENT/ NO END STOPPING: Poet shows love is never-ending.
 HOW DO I START MY POETRY ESSAY?

• There is no need for a long introduction.You will have slightly more time for
this essay this year but it is still tight!
• If possible, briefly summarise your upcoming arguments –
‘Shelley presents love as an overwhelmingly positive feeling that can overcome any
obstacle, is infinite and yet seemingly makes little sense. This is seen initially…’

• OR simply restate the given question and get right into the content of your
essay!

‘Shelley has presented love as an overwhelming emotion.This is clear through the

excessive use of hyperbole throughout the poem…’
 OVERALL STRUCTURE

• Brief (or no) introduction – one summative sentence is fine.

• Thematic Point #1 – evidenced with quotations/ subject terminology/ HOW it makes the reader feel a certain way or
HOW a certain impression is created.
• Thematic Point #2 – evidenced with quotations/ subject terminology/ HOW it makes the reader feel a certain way or
HOW a certain impression is created.
• Thematic Point #3 – evidenced with quotations/ subject terminology/ HOW it makes the reader feel a certain way or
HOW a certain impression is created.
• (Time/content dependent)Thematic Point #4 – evidenced with quotations/ subject terminology/ HOW it makes the reader
feel a certain way or HOW a certain impression is created.
• Concluding Statement – Again, one summative sentence would be fine here. ‘Overall, love is presented in a positive manner by
Shelley and the reader is left envious of the depth of feeling he portrays…’
 SAMPLE ANSWER (8/8)
Thematic point

Brief introduction which

summarises argument→

Straight into the comparison

Comparative discourse
markers→

Language point →
Continued comparison
throughout →

Structural point →

Brief conclusion→