Analyze a WHAT?!
Agonizing over paragraph structure? Finding nothing worth smiling about regarding similies? Worrying that you won’t sound like you know what you’re talking about? Counting the words and writing line totals in the margins?
Don’t worry about poetry analysis – SLAM it!
SLAM, in this case, isn’t like a poetry slam. A poetry slam is a contest in which individuals and teams compete – much like a rap battle. SLAM here is an acronym: Structure, Language, Affect, and Meaning.
Watch the video
The Assignment
To use this powerful tool, you’ll need to find a poem to use it on first. Look through the poems on poetryfoundation.org or poetry180Â and find a poem you like. Download the documents (see Documents and Media below) and begin reading your poem. When you’re ready, use the SLAM Worksheet as a guide to fill out your own graphic organizer.
Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to start your essay. It must be 6 paragraphs and use the following format:
- Introduction (with thesis)
- Structure
- Language
- Affect
- Meaning
- Conclusion
Finally, turn in both the essay AND your completed SLAM graphic organizer.
Documents and Media
Click the links to download the following.
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