Topic Eight (1.8): Poetry

Objectives for this topic

  • to read and listen to Haiku poems;
  • to learn about poetry techniques.

Introduction

In this topic, you will read and listen to a variety of Haiku poems.

Working through your coursebook

Please work through the following sections in your coursebook, completing all listed exercises:

  • Page 28 – Read the information about haiku poems.
  • Page 28, Exercise 1 – Check out the vocabulary in the vocabulary box. You will need to understand these two words when reading the first haiku poem. Try to learn how they are pronounced - you can check the correct pronunciation when you listen to the poem. Listen to and read the translation of a well-known haiku. Why do you think haiku poems are popular?

LISTEN – Track 07

  • Page 28, Exercise 2 – Look at the pictures. Describe what you see. Now read and listen to some more haiku poems by Matsuo Basho which have been translated into English. Match each one with a picture and then answer the questions. Which poem did you like the best? Why do you think the poet wrote it?

LISTEN – Track 08

  • Page 29 – Read the information in the purple box.
  • Page 29, Exercise 4 – Read and listen to the two haiku poems that were written in English. There is a useful vocabulary box but also look up any other words in the poems that you don’t understand. Then, when you are ready, answer the questions.

LISTEN – Track 09

  • Page 29, Exercise 5 – Write a description or find a picture to illustrate each of the two poems in Exercise 4.
  • Page 30, Exercise 6 – You are going to choose one of the pictures and write a haiku poem about it. There are useful steps to follow – read each bullet point carefully. When it asks you to work in pairs or read it to a partner you can do this with a friend or family member. If they speak English, that’s great. If not, you can do the discussion in your own language. When you have worked through each bullet point, write your haiku poem. Then listen to Track 10. It is a haiku poem that a student wrote about the first picture. What do you think of it?

LISTEN – Track 10

  • Page 30, Exercise 7 – Find your own picture and use it to write a haiku poem. Follow the steps in Exercise 6 again to help you.

Check your answers

  • If you would like to check your answers to the exercises in this topic, please consult this document Download here. The section with the answers is highlighted in yellow.
  • If you would like to access the audioscript(s) for this topic, please click Download here.