Poetry in the language classroom

The aim of this article is to demonstrate how poetry may be used in language classes to develop the students' knowledge of English. Extracts from various poems are analysed to illustrate different linguistic features: the extracts are chosen to assist with (1) phonological matters of pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation; (2) vocabulary; (3) grammar; and (4) meaning. For more advanced students there are examples of poems which contain interesting colloquialisms or features of style. It is suggested that teachers choosing poems for classroom study should bear in mind the specific language points that may be illustrated through each. The article ends with brief demonstrations of the way in which linguistic exercises may be based on a nonsense poem and the way in which close linguistic analysis may contribute to the enjoyment of literature.