Poem Appreciation (11th HSC)

Is Poem Appreciation an important question in exams?

Yes, the poem appreciation question is highly important in exams, as it is a fixed 4-mark question in the poetry section.

It tests your ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the poem's meaning and literary features.

Note: It is not very difficult to score full.

How to Score entire 4-marks in exams?

• Always write appreciation in a paragraph format, (covering all the points stated below)
• Use simple and clear language.
• Do noy mug up everything try to write it in own words to make it feel personal and emotive

Appreciations of the Poems:

	Name of the Poem	Poet / Poetess
2.1	Cherry Tree	Ruskin Bond
2.2	The Sower	Victor Hugo
2.3	There is Another Sky	Emily Dickinson
2.4	Upon Westminster Bridge	William Wordsworth
2.5	Nose versus Eyes	William Cowper
2.6	The Planners	Boey Kim Cheng

General Guidelines for Poem Appreciation

• You will be given the full poem/extract of 10 – 15 lines from your textbook along with instructions/points.
• Based on the points, write the appreciation of the poem in paragraph format in about 150 words.

Make sure that you cover all the given points.

• About the Poem/Poet and the Title: Write in brief about the Poet and the emotion or meaning behind the poem and significance of its title 
• Theme/Central Idea: Explain the main message or theme of the poem.
• Poetic Devices: Identify and explain figures of speech (e.g., imagery, metaphor, alliteration).
• Language/Style: Comment on the tone and style (e.g., simple, emotional, free verse).
• Special features: Explain any special characteristics of the poem
• Message/Values/Morals: Convey the moral or message of the poem.
• Your Opinion about the poem: How did the poem make you feel (Tip: Always start this para with “I liked the poem because it…”)  

Marking Scheme:

Appropriateness of Theme & Language Features	2 Marks
Explanation and Presentation	1 Mark
Personal Opinion & Evaluation of the Poem	1 Mark
	Total 4 Marks

Sample Question

With the help of the following points, write a poetic appreciation of the poem ‘Song of the Open Road’.

• About the poem / poet and the title
• The theme
• Poetic style
• The language/ poetic devices used in the poem
• Special features
• Message, values, morals in the poem
• Your opinion about the poem

Regards,

Prof. Chirag Jain