Key learning points

1. ‘Free verse’ refers to a type of poetry that doesn’t follow a specific rhyme scheme or structure.
2. The themes and tone of a poem can be inferred from analysing the structure and language of the poem.
3. Descriptive vocabulary using the five senses enables the poet to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
4. Writing a free verse poem relies on the poet’s creativity rather than following rules of traditional poems.
5. Both rhyme and rhythm contribute to the overall musical quality of a poem by emphasising certain words or emotions.

Keywords

• Free verse - a form of poetry that does not adhere to regular meter or rhyme patterns, allowing for greater flexibility and freedom of expression

• Rhyme - the similarity of sounds between the ending syllables of words, creating a musical quality and pattern in a poem

• Rhythm - the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, creating a musical and rhythmic flow in a poem

Common misconception