Poetry- The Judges Questions

Poetry Questions by Categories

Impact:

1. Does the poem enable the reader to see, feel, or think about the theme or topic in a new, more compelling way? Does the poem move or stir the reader?
2. Does the poem have entertainment value and/or appeal to the intellect of the reader?

Universality

1. Is the subject matter of the poem meaningful only to the poet? Does the poem deal with the human experience, and if so, is it successful in adding to the reader’s understanding?

Structure, Form, Flow

1. Are the thoughts of the poem presented in an organized structure? Is there meaning to the writing, and is that meaning realized?
2. Is the form of the poem appropriate to the theme or topic? Does the form let the reader’s mind flow through the poem?
3. Does the poem use sensory details and figurative language to create visual images that contribute significantly to the meaning of the poem?

Mechanics:

1. Has the writer chosen the words of the poem to enable the poem to convey its intent? Does it avoid clichés or overused imagery?
2. Does the poem create a pleasing effect using rhyme and meter and/or effective word placement?
3. Does the poem use word sounds via assonance and alliteration that create a mood?
4. Is the poem free from grammatical errors, misspelled words, typos, etc.?