FREE RESPONSE SINGLE POETRY ESSAY

AP Test Prep

Understanding the Prompt

Look for the main stem of the prompt. It is NEVER NEVER NEVER about poetic devices. The devices should be the support for the main stem in your response. You must demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of the poem. Underline the part of the prompt that asks for this.

Organizational Planning

The prompt itself will probably provide the organizational framework for the essay.

Each nuance or new idea should have a separate paragraph…and make sure to state clearly the idea you are supporting in the paragraph. Don’t imply it.

Focus on one idea per paragraph and support it throughout the paragraph.

Connection

If all you see is the poetic device and you feel compelled to start writing about the device, then know that you must eventually connect it to its meaning in the poem.

Time Constraints

You have 40 minutes. 20-25 minutes of the time should be allotted

to writing.10 minutes should be allotted to reading and

marking up the poem. 5-10 minutes should be planning the essay

and organizing your thoughts.

Thesis Statement

Thesis statement is crucial…shows that you are in charge of the prompt.

It should demonstrate that you understand both the poem and the task given in the prompt.

Ex.: “Through Sydney’s use of poetic devices, the speaker discovers that even though desire is a formidable adversary and can even instruct, virtue can defeat it.”

A top example from a “9” essay

Through shifting points of view, purposeful structure, and meaningful diction, the speaker adds depth and emotion to the love shared by the two characters and illuminates a universal theme of present innocence and changing relationships over time.