Poetry Comprehension

1
Poetry Comprehension

• Poetry can sometimes seem quite complicated. So
  it is especially important that you learn how to
  understand it.

2
As with any comprehension test, read it through
once, then read the questions. Now skim through
the poem again looking for the answers. Carefully
re-read these parts. Dont rely on your memory.

• Playground Plea
• Eyes shining
• Face glowing
• Heart racing
• Blood pumping
• When will they pick me?
• Feet shuffling
• Smile fading
• Hands clenching Mouth drying
• When will they pick me?

• Chest tightening
• Throat aching
• Eyes pleading
• Fear growing
• Will they pick me?
• Shoulders slumping
• Hope fading
• Face falling
• Tears threatening
• Why dont they EVER pick me?
• Lynn Huggins-Cooper

3
Write down how the poet builds the tension in
this poem. Are the patterns she used effective?
Do they make us understand how the child is
feeling?
4
What are the meaning of these words. You can use
a dictionary for help. Suggest why the poet would
choose these words.

• Clenching
• Pleading
• Slumping

5
Why do you think using verbs ending in ing at
the end of many of the lines was effective in
building tension in the poem?

• Now you have your own comprehension to complete.
  Will you follow this advice?