TPCASTT (which stands for title, paraphrase, connotation, attitude, shifts, title, and theme) is a way of analyzing poetry. [Hint: Connotation = figurative language]
Format: Typed and double spaced; size 12 font
Poetry Response—Practice in reading, thinking about, and responding to poems via writing.
- · Include a completed TPCASTT (typed or handwritten)
- · 250-400 word typed response
- · First paragraph must include TAG (Title,author,and genre of poem; refer to poetry types handout for genre)
- · 2 short quotations (5-7) words and highlighted
- · 1 very short quotation (2-4) words and highlighted
- · Content must be related to the poem
What should you write on a poetry response? You may approach this assignment several ways. Sometimes students write an analysis of the poem. They explain what is going on in the poem and relate what they think the theme is. Other students begin with the theme and elaborate on that, while some apply the poem to themselves by relating a personal experience. Occasionally a student will write a response on one line from the poem. What you do with the response is up to you as long as you say something. Do not spend time telling how you could not understand the poem no matter how you tried. Naturally, I do not expect you to like all the poems, but if you dislike a poem because of its content or style, then support that with specifics.