1. Question and Answer Samples and Techniques

2. What is TPCASTT? It is a strategy used to analyze and understand poetry. Each letter represents (or stands for) a piece of the poem you will break apart and closely examine.

3. TITLE Closely examine the title BEFORE you read the poem and make predictions.

4. PARAPHRASE (read it 3X) Carefully read the poem and paraphrase (put it in your OWN words). Dissect the poem into pieces you can understand.

5. CONNOTATION Highlight words or phrases you see as important. Think about their connotations. What ideas or feelings do you associate with the words?

6. ATTITUDE (AKA TONE) What is the speakers attitude toward the situation or circumstance?

7. SHIFTS Are there shifts in the speaker? Does the person speaking change within the poem? Does the attitude of the speaker change? If so, where?

8. TITLE Look at the title AGAIN! How have your ideas about the meaning of the title changed?

9. THEME What is the poet saying? What is the overall message or idea of the poem?

10. T=TITLE Think about the title BEFORE you read the poem. What do you think the poem might be about?

11. P=PARAPHRASE Reread the poem and put it into your own words. WHAT IS THE POEM SAYING?

12. C=Connotation Jot down words that are important or significant. Think about their connotations.

13. A= ATTITUDE What is the speakers attitude toward the situation?

14. S=SHIFTS Does the person speaking change within the poem? If so, where does it occur? All of the above There is a shift from the speakers happiness to sadness. There are three shifts; beginning, middle and end. There is a shift from fear to enthusiasm and determination. There is no shift.

15. T=TITLE Look back at the title…have your ideas changed? If so, HOW? This man is EVERY MAN! His experience appeals to everyone and anyone who felt a loss. His positive response to a life changing challenge makes all of the difference.

16. T=THEMEWhat is the poet saying? What is the overall message or theme of the poem? All of the above. Physical challenges can be overcome through a change in attitude. One can overcome ones greatest fears by changing ones attitude. Out of great tragedy can come a new spirit of determination. People overcome their greatest fears by having a positive outlook.