Hi,

I have a english exam coming up on poetry and Hamlet...
the first part is
Part A ;Passage Analysis:
Choose only three of the following passages from the play Hamlet to comment on. Each response should be concise and well written in full sentences...so I need tips for this...like what should I include? And should I memorize lines from the play and right them??

Part B; Big Ideas:
Choose one of the following questions to respond to. Write a descriptive paragraph that refers to specific details/events in the play to support reasoning.

Section Two: Analysing Poetry
Carefully read the powm attached and respond to the following critical thinking questions. Be sure to support your reasoning by directly quoting the poem....see I also need tips on this because I never understand what the poem means...

Section three: Comparing the poem and Hamlet:

Write a well-structured, argumentative response to the questions below. 4 marks will be awarded for style and structure, and six marks will be awarded for content.

I need REALLY gOOD tips on how to study for this exam and also the poetry stuff...I wanna get atleast a 80% on this exam..it is worth 30% of our mark!! And this is Grade 11 English.

Thanks I really appreciate your help!!!

#1 - Reread the whole play.

http://nfs.sparknotes.com/hamlet/
At this site, you can see the original English in the left column and "modern" English in the right column.

#2 - Read over these summaries of the different acts and scenes:
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/hamlet/section1.rhtml

#3 - Study both these webpages about how to read poems, what to look for, and what to write:
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/poetry-explications/
and
http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/markport/best/study/poetry.htm

#4 - Study this page about how to write comparison/contrast. You'll need it for section three.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/comparison.htm

What is the significance of untrodden?

Preparing for an exam on poetry and Hamlet requires a structured approach. Here are some tips to help you study effectively and improve your chances of scoring well on the exam:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Play:
- Read and understand the entire play of Hamlet. Take note of the key themes, characters, and significant events.
- Analyze different passages and pay attention to literary devices, such as metaphors, symbolism, and imagery.
- Make sure you have a good understanding of the plot, main conflicts, and character motivations.

2. Choose Passages for Analysis:
- Select three passages from Hamlet that you feel most comfortable analyzing.
- Choose passages that are meaningful, contain significant literary devices, and contribute to the development of important themes or characters.

3. Structure Your Passage Analysis:
- Begin each response with a concise thesis statement that clearly explains your interpretation of the passage.
- Provide relevant context about the passage and its significance within the play.
- Analyze different literary devices, language choices, and the impact of those choices on the meaning and tone of the passage.
- Include specific examples from the passage and explain their significance.
- Conclude your analysis by summarizing your main findings and reinforcing your interpretation.

4. Don't Memorize Lines:
- While it's important to be familiar with the play, it's not necessary to memorize specific lines unless you believe they are crucial to supporting your analysis.
- Instead, focus on understanding the overall meaning, themes, and character development in Hamlet.
- Use your own words to explain your interpretation of the passages, providing quotes as evidence to support your analysis.

5. Analyzing Poetry:
- Start by carefully reading and rereading the poem provided, paying attention to its structure, themes, and language choices.
- Identify and analyze literary devices such as metaphor, simile, rhyme, meter, and alliteration.
- Consider the poem's tone, mood, and the emotions it evokes.
- To support your reasoning, quote specific lines or stanzas from the poem and explain how they contribute to your interpretation.

6. Comparing the Poem and Hamlet:
- Analyze the similarities and differences between the poem and Hamlet, focusing on themes, subject matter, and literary devices used.
- Use specific examples from both the play and the poem to support your arguments.
- Structure your response with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a well-reasoned conclusion.
- Pay attention to style and structure, ensuring that your writing is concise, coherent, and demonstrates a logical flow of ideas.

7. Practice Time Management and Revision:
- Use your study time wisely by allocating specific time slots for each section of the exam.
- Practice timing yourself to ensure you can complete each section within the given time frame.
- Regularly revise your notes, review key themes, characters, and events in Hamlet, and practice analyzing poetry by working with various poems.

Remember, practice is crucial. Take advantage of past exams, study guides, and resources provided by your teacher to further enhance your understanding. Good luck on your exam!