Is this worth a good grade?

Question

I've started a new year in middle school and we've been assigned to write a poem about an animal (w/ alliterations and extended similes) I wrote this poem. what grade level do you think that it would get a good grade in & for middle school what grade?

Looking down
From the limb of a leaning evergreen
The panther's delicate paws
Softly grasp the firm bark

The panther sees
The silky, silent forest
Take on a limber look
As the shade of green overtakes all

The silence is licked away
Like the waves on a sandy waterfront
Ever so often returning only to be embraced
And dissolved by the sand once again

The dissonant songs of the toucans
The crackly croaks of the toads
Blend like the beating of drums
Then fade and the silence is renewed

The panther getting restless
Leaps from its leafy lodge
In search of a meal
And a new sanctuary to settle at

The rustling grows still
The panther picks up not one peep
With his black furry ears
As the forest honors its emperor

Answer 1

If this is the work of a middle schooler, I'm impressed. And I should know - I'm an English teacher. The only line that doesn't work is the "peep" line. And I'd say "the shades of green."

Poetry is a gift - few have it. Consequently I'm reluctant to assign grades to poems. But if I had to, I'd give yours an A.
And that's saying a lot, coming from me. I'm a harsh critic!

Answer 2

Wow. That's better than any poetry I've ever written for sure, and I'm in college. I think giving grades on poems is ridiculous, though - it's way too subjective. I generally have very little respect for teachers who ask students to write poetry as a graded assignment (points for doing the assignment, sure, but not for how "good" the poem is), but I'd be surprised at any teacher who wouldn't give that an A in a middle school class.

Answer 3

I definately think it is worth a good grade for any level, assuming that it is not plagarized. Keep in mind that learning is not about technical ability but it is about the ability to apply critical thinking and give it some serious effort. If any teacher doesn't agree then they are horrible teachers. I don't believe that anyteacher should be able to hold writers accountable for their writing ability compared to others until the college level at least. Only compared to their own growth. Great job on that poem!

Answer 4

As a teacher, I feel that this is an acceptable poem. I love all of the added details. The only thing I would change is the last paragraph, second line: The panther picks up not one peep..... when I think of a panther, I do not think of the word "peep"...try something else here....and good luck!

Answer 5

I enjoyed it very much -- nicely flowing language and vivid imagery. The alliterations and similes are evident, and mostly well applied. It will likely earn an A -- as well it should.

But if I had just one complaint it would be the simile about silence. Similes fail most often when we try to expand too much on them. Similes should be like snipers -- hit and hide.

Answer 6

That is so good! You should get an A! B+ would be the lowest, but an A grade for sure!

Answer 7

I am very pleased by your poetic skills. i would definetly give it an A+. nice use of literary elements and techniques. keep up the good work! have you thought of entering in a poetry contest?

Answer 8

11th grade-A-. You only put 1 simile, but EXCELLENT alliteration. Great poem. I was in 11th grade, studying literary terms.

Answer 9

It's good, but it sounds like you found it and want to turn it in for schoolwork...

Answer 10

Its really corny but good..... id say a solid B