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Poem Analysis Research Project

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Poem Analysis Research Project

Read the original poem, then use evidence from its lines to investigate sound, imagery, figurative language, and theme. Answer each question in complete sentences when asked. For research questions, use a reliable dictionary or poetry reference if one is available; the poem itself is all you need for Questions 1–8.

Read the Poem

Read this original poem by the fictional poet Alex Reed. Notice what the speaker sees, hears, and feels.

At the skate park, dusk turns ramps to gold, Jayden rolls where evening shadows stretch. Wheels whisper, then the concrete answers— a quick bright drum beneath his feet. Ravi waits beside the painted rail, while Owen counts the clouds like ships. One brave try, a wobble, then a laugh: the night keeps every small beginning. Streetlights bloom, and helmets shine. The last run sails beneath the moon. Tomorrow, they will try again— three sparks still spinning in the dark.

1.How many stanzas are in “The Last Run”?

2.Which phrase most clearly uses personification, giving a nonhuman thing a human action?

“dusk turns ramps to gold”
“the concrete answers”
“Ravi waits beside the painted rail”
“helmets shine”

3.Copy one example of sound imagery from the poem and explain what a reader might hear.

4.Which words create a visual image of the changing evening sky or light? Give one example.

5.The poem does not use a regular end-rhyme pattern. Which pair of end words has the closest rhyme?

gold / stretch
rail / laugh
shine / try
stretch / feet

6.What does “One brave try, a wobble, then a laugh” suggest about the skaters’ attitude toward making mistakes?

7.Which statement best expresses a theme of the poem?

Success comes only when a person never makes mistakes.
Friends can enjoy learning by trying again after a difficult attempt.
Nighttime is too dangerous for outdoor activities.
Clouds are more interesting than sports.

8.Explain how the final two lines support the theme. Use a detail from the poem in your answer.

Research and Present

Use the poem as your evidence. If you consult a reference, record its name and check that it directly supports your explanation.

9.Choose one word from the poem that has a Greek or Latin root. Write the word, identify a root, and explain the root’s meaning. If you cannot find a suitable word in the poem, write “none found” and explain how you would check a dictionary.

10.Write a short research summary: name the poem’s theme and explain how two poetic choices help develop it. Include at least one quoted phrase.

11.Plan a visual symbol for the poem’s theme. Describe one image you would draw and explain what it would represent.

12.A classmate says the poem is mainly about winning a skating contest. Do you agree? Use two details from the poem to support your response.