Analysing and emulating the use of sound in slam poetry | English

Starter quiz

Is the answer true or false? Slam poetry is created to be performed in front of an audience.
- 'True' ✓
Which of the following are examples of onomatopoeia?
- buzz ✓
- joyful
- crash ✓
- sadness
Which answer best describes the use of rhythm in poetry?
- the pattern of beats or sounds in a line ✓
- the length of the poem
- the theme of the poem
- the number of words in a line
Colloquial language can be described as ...
- formal language used in official documents.
- everyday language or slang that is informal and conversational. ✓
- language that follows strict grammatical rules.
- poetic language that uses complex vocabulary.
What role does repetition play in slam poetry?
- It makes the poem longer and more complicated.
- It emphasises key ideas and engages the audience. ✓
- It is used only in written poetry, not performance.
- It makes the poem sound more formal.
Which word beginning with 'r' can be described as: 'a repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of a stanza.'?
- 'refrain' ✓

What is the main purpose of using sound in slam poetry?
- to confuse the audience
- to create a boring tone
- to engage and connect with the audience ✓
- to make the poem harder to perform
What is a refrain in poetry?
- a word that imitates a sound
- a long stanza of detailed description
- a silent pause in the poem
- a repeated line or group of lines in a poem ✓
The words 'gonna', 'wanna' and 'cool' are examples of which type of language?
- colloquial ✓
- formal
- academic
- poetic
The words 'clatter', 'gurgle', 'crackle' and 'clang' are examples of which poetic sound device?
- onomatopoeia ✓
- alliteration
- rhyme
- rhythm
Which of the following can be considered effective ways to use onomatopoeia?
- the word choice is interesting ✓
- used sparingly ✓
- relevant and links to the specific sound ✓
- added in after every stanza
Select the examples where onomatopoeia is used as the verb.
- Clap those buoyant hands! ✓
- The crowd is loud. Boom!
- Whoop with shouts of cheer! ✓
- Let me hear you. Crash and bang!

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Sound is an important feature of slam poetry, it adds to the dynamic and energetic performances.
Harry Baker uses a refrain to emphasise key ideas and engage the audience.
In his refrain, Baker uses repetition, direct address and exclamatives.
Baker demonstrates that onomatopeia can be effective in slam poems, but needs to be used carefully.

Adding "bang" or "crash" to the end of a line or stanza is an effective way to use onomatopoeia.

Although onomatopoeia might seem like an easy device to use, it still needs careful consderation and crafting to be used effectively and creatively.

Form - the specific type or category of a poem that determines its structure and style
Emulate - to imitate or match something or someone, often with the intention of achieving the same success or quality
Onomatopoeia - a word that imitates or resembles the sound it describes
Refrain - a repeated line or group of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of a stanza
Dynamic - a lively and engaging performance, full of energy, to keep the audience interested