Poetry Techniques

Question 1

Simile

Answer 1

The subject of the poem is described by comparing it to another object or subject, using ‘as’ or ‘like’.

Question 2

Metaphor

Answer 2

An object in, or the subject of, a poem is described as being the same as another otherwise unrelated object.

Question 3

Alliteration

Answer 3

Repetition of the beginning sound of 2 or more words placed near one another.

Question 4

Assonance

Answer 4

Repetition of the vowels in words that are in close proximity to each other.

Question 5

Anaphora

Answer 5

Repetition of the first word or clause of consecutive sentences.

Question 6

Couplet

Answer 6

Two lines of poetry that rhyme with each other.

Question 7

Enjambment

Answer 7

When a sentence runs over into the next line or stanza.

Question 8

Free verse

Answer 8

Poetry with no rules (no strict rhyme schemes, structure or metres).

Question 9

Metre

Answer 9

The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables within a line.

Question 10

Mood

Answer 10

The atmosphere of the poem.

Question 11

Onomatopoeia

Answer 11

Words that represent the sound made from an object, animal, human or thing.

Question 12

Repetition

Answer 12

Words or phrases that are repeated.

Question 13

Rhyme

Answer 13

Last sound of a word being repeated in other words (internal & end rhyme).

Question 14

Rhythm

Answer 14

The pattern of sounds in a poem.

Question 15

Sonnet

Answer 15

Poems made of 1 stanza with 14 lines.

Question 16

Tone

Answer 16

The poet’s attitude towards a subject in a poem

Question 17

Symbolism

Answer 17

Symbols work to represent ideas.

Question 18

Allusions

Answer 18

When an author or poet makes an indirect reference to some idea, figure, other text, place, or event that originates from outside the text.

Question 19

Consonance

Answer 19

The repetition of the same consonant sounds in a line of text.

Question 20

Apostrophe

Answer 20

An address to a dead or absent person, or personification as if he or she were present.

Question 21

Hyperbole

Answer 21

A figure of speech composed of a striking exaggeration.

Question 22

Conceit

Answer 22

A conceit is a fanciful metaphor, especially a highly elaborate or extended metaphor in which an unlikely, far-fetched, or strained comparison is made between two things.

Question 23

Metonymy

Answer 23

When a poet refers to something by one of its characteristics rather than its name.

Question 24

Synecdoche

Answer 24

When the word for a part of something is used to refer to the whole thing.

Question 25

Euphony

Answer 25

Combining of words to create a pleasing sound.