Poetry Portfolio and Recitation Expectations—English 12

Over the next three weeks, you will be working on two poetry projects: a poetry portfolio and a spoken word
performance. We will continue to study poetic devices as well as practice writing, editing, and revising our own
poems.

The portfolio and recitation are assignments you need to start working on today. ​There will be no extensions on
these assignments because the school year is coming to an end.​ This is a great opportunity for you to further
develop your planning and time management skills if these are areas in which you have struggled in the past.

Minnesota Education Standards:

12.11.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meaning.
12.4.4 Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze
how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
12.7.3 Write narratives and other creative texts to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and
well-structured event sequences.
12.7.5 Use a writing process to develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

Poetry Portfolio
50 points

Your poetry portfolio will include ​five poems​. Your portfolio must include ​at least two poems you’ve written​ and
at least two poems written by published poets.​ The idea is that you have selected poems that you have read
and studied and which are meaningful to you. You may only include one poem that is shorter than 10 lines.
This entire portfolio must be typed and professional-looking.

Cover page:​ Your poetry portfolio should begin with a cover page that includes your name and a creative title
for your portfolio. (What title captures the essence of the poems you’ve selected?) Artwork on the cover page
is optional.

Commentary ​after​ each poem:​ Each poem needs to be followed up by one paragraph of commentary
(​organized, rich with examples, and well proofread​). In other words, you will have a total of ten pages: five
pages of poems and five pages of commentary. (You may print these double-sided if you like, with poem on
one side and commentary on the back side.) Choose one or more of these options to discuss exhaustively in
your commentary:
What is the poem/poet expressing?
Describe the emotions the poet conveys.
Explain how poetic devices enhance the reader’s experience (repetition, alliteration, etc.).
How is this poem relevant? Is it relevant to you personally or to a larger community?
Explain how vivid and/or precise words enhance the reader’s experience.
What concrete visual image does the poem express?
How does this particular form choice (type of poem) contribute to the poet’s message?

Format:​ You must provide a PRINTED COPY of your portfolio. Only PRINTED copies received by the due
date will be eligible for full credit.

DUE DATE for Poetry Portfolio: ​May 16 (A), May 17 (B)

(Work Day in class May 10/May 11)
 Spoken Word Performance Details
50 points

​ lso be expected to write and perform an original spoken word. Utilize time in class as well as time out
You will​ a
of class to write, edit, and revise a free verse poem that references any one experience from your senior year.
Your poem should utilize one or more devices used in traditional poetry:

Repetition Rhyme Rhythm Alliteration Onamotopoeia Consonance

We will cover themes and methods for writing in class. You will write a draft, read it aloud to a small group of
classmates, revise the draft, and rehearse the final poem.

You are also required to perform your spoken word. ​You need to be adequately prepared and well-rehearsed.
Spoken word relies heavily on inflection, tone, and emphasis, which are best developed through practice. Note
that you are performing your poem, not simply reading it.

Format​: Performance.
Stand in front of the class and recite your poem.
Prepare a film of yourself reading the poem.
Prepare a film of images with a voice-over of the poem.

WORKSHOP DATE for Spoken Word: ​May 8 (A), May 9 (B)

For this date, you need to bring a copy of your poem draft and be prepared to read aloud to a small group of
classmates. You’ll also be giving and receiving feedback, so even if you neglect to bring your poem, you will be
expected to participate in the workshop. No extensions and no make-up dates.

Preparation for Workshop = 10 points

PERFORMANCE DATE for Spoken Word: ​May 18(A), May 19 (B)

Make-up dates for excused absences only will be May 22(A), May 23 (B).
(Work Day in class May 16/May 17)

Performance = 40 points