Poetry for Fifth Grade Students: Homework and Lesson Help

Poetry Homework Help

What is Poetry?

Poetry is a form of writing that usually expresses emotions and feelings in a concise and rhythmic way. There are many elements that make up poetry, such as imagery, metaphors and pacing. Understanding these elements will help you when you have to identify them in poetry for homework.

Voice

Voice in poetry refers to who is speaking in the piece. It also refers to the way they are speaking. Usually, you can tell the author's emotion about the topic of their poetry by the words they use.

Stanzas

Stanzas are like paragraphs in a novel or article. Poems are broken up into sections, called stanzas. The length and number of stanzas often depend on the style of poetry used, such as a sonnet or a haiku.

Figurative Language

Figurative language is what authors use to make their writing more interesting and expressive. Figurative language can give the writing deeper meaning. The most popular ones are explained below.

Personification

Personification is used when authors give inanimate (nonliving) objects human characteristics. Example: The tree cried as his leaves fell slowly to the ground.

Alliteration

Alliteration is when authors use the same starting letter or sound for several consecutive words. This is usually used to give the poetry a certain sound or tone. Example: The bell blew boldly in the blowing wind.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is used when authors use words that imitate a sound. Examples: ping, buzz, pop, whizz, etc.

Similes

Similes are used when authors compare one object to another object using 'like' or 'as'. The comparison usually provides a deeper understanding of both objects. Example: Her skin was soft and smooth like a fine piece of expensive silk.

Metaphors

Like similes, metaphors are used when authors are making comparisons in an attempt to provide deeper meaning. However, they do not use the words 'like' or 'as'. Example: My new car is a shiny trophy.