Elevens

incl. materials

oral

30 min.

Objectives

The learner can write a simple poem of eleven words, based on a so-called cinquain.

A cinquain is a short poem consisting of five lines, that do not need to rhyme.
Line A          1 word, a vague or general word about the chosen topic.
Line B          2 words, describing the topic.
Line C          3 words, verbs fitting the topic.
Line D         4 words, capturing the feeling about the topic.
Line E          1 word, a specific term explaining Line A.

Examples

Watermelon
Juicy, sweet
Dripping, slurping, smacking
So messy to eat
Yummy

Snow
Lovely, white
Falling, dancing, drifting
Covering everything it touches
Blanket

Castle
Strong, beautiful
Imposing, protecting, watching
Symbolizes wealth and power
Fortress

Materials

Paper and pens

Preparation

Collect some poems to serve as an example.

Instructions

• Read the selected poems together.
• Explain what an ‘eleven’ or cinquain is.
• Divide the group into pairs.
• You can appoint a theme for the poem or let each pair choose their own theme.
• When all pairs have finished writing their poem, let the learners read their poems to each other.

Tips for the instructor

• Collect all poems.
• Give each poem an attractive layout and print them out.
• Hang them in the classroom.