Types of Poetry for Middle School

What is a Haiku?

A short, 3-line Japanese poem. Line 1: 5 syllables; Line 2: 7 syllables; Line 3: 5 syllables.

What is a Limerick?

A humorous, 5-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. Lines 1, 2, and 5 are longer; lines 3 and 4 are shorter.

What is an Acrostic poem?

A poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase.

What is Free Verse?

Poetry without any set rules for rhyme or rhythm, resembles natural speech. Any poem type can be adapted to free verse except those with strict structures, like limericks or sonnets.

What is a Sonnet?

A 14-line poem typically expressing strong feelings and following a specific rhyme scheme.

What is a Narrative Poem?

A poem that tells a story; considered a broad category.

What is a Ballad?

A narrative poem often set to music, featuring repeated lines. It represents a type of narrative poem.

What is a Concrete Poem (Shape Poem)?

A poem where the words form a shape related to the poem's subject.

What is an Epic Poem?

A lengthy narrative poem detailing heroic deeds; a type of narrative poem.

What is a Lyric Poem?

A broad category of poem expressing personal feelings or emotions; many poems may contain lyrical elements.