How to Write a Pre-‐Discussion Response Use the acronym ARTWARS Q to develop your poetry responses:
A – What is the poem ABOUT? Provide a one-‐sentence summary.
The poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes is about ...
R – What ideas, symbols, or images are REPEATED in this poem? Does the repetition help you discover the author’s theme/message? If there is not repetition in this poem, please write about the theme only.
T – What is the TONE of this poem? How do you know that this is the author’s attitude toward the subject?
W – How does the author use WORDS to convey the meaning of the poem? How do these words add meaning, depth, and enjoyment to the poem? Think about the following: ¨ idiom ¨ simile ¨ metaphor ¨ hyperbole ¨ onomatopoeia ¨ sensory language ¨ personification You do not need to choose all of these devices – select one or two that stand out to you and explain their meaning and effect. HINT: Consider using a quotation here.
A – How does the use of ALLITERATION and sound impact your enjoyment of the poem? Read the poem aloud or have someone read it to you. Why do you think the author made these choices? If this poem does not make use of alliteration, you may skip this section.
R – How do the RHYME and/or RHYTHM in this poem affect the mood? Again, you may want to read the poem aloud and consider the emotional impact.
S – Connect the poem to SELF. How does the poem relate to your life, the world around you, and to other literature you’ve read or experienced (including plays, movies, TV shows, songs, etc.).
Q – Write a discussion QUESTION for your literature circle meeting. This question cannot be
answered with yes or no – it’s intended to stimulate discussion in your group. Use page 22 in your KEY packet for question stems.
Requirements: 1. Use a correct MLA Heading in the upper left hand corner. 2. Title: Poetry Pre-‐Discussion Response (centered) 3. Write about at least two poems from your poetry set. Each poem response will be a separate ARTWARS Q paragraph. 4. Response should be at least 300 words. Typed, this is about ½ page single-‐ spaced. Handwritten, this is at least one page single-‐spaced. 5. If typed, please use Times New Roman, 12 point font – print at home or email your teacher before class begins for help with printing. If handwriting, please use blue or black pen.
Scoring Guide:
Excellent (E) – 10/10 Discusses/analyzes at least two of the poems in the set. Addresses every part of ARTWARS Q thoroughly, accurately, and creatively. Provides unique and insightful comments about the poems. Uses at least two quotations as evidence to support ideas. Proficient (P) – 8.5/10 Discusses/analyzes at least two of the poems in the set. Addresses every part of ARTWARS Q. Provides relevant and interesting comments about the poems. Uses at least two quotations as evidence to support ideas. Almost Proficient (AP) – 7/10 Discusses/analyzes at least two of the poems in the set. Addresses most parts of ARTWARS Q – may be missing a few elements. Provides relevant comments about the poems. Uses at least one quotation as evidence to support ideas. Not Yet Proficient (NYP) – 6/10 May only discuss/analyze one of the poems in the set. Attempts to address some parts of ARTWARS Q. Provides comments about the poem, but may not be accurate or relevant. Missing quotations. May include more summary than analysis. May be difficult to read.
