ENG1516
Assignment 3
DUE 6 August 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Define poetry.
Poetry is a creative form of literature that conveys emotions, experiences, and ideas
through the imaginative and rhythmic use of language. It is typically written in lines and
arranged into verses called stanzas. Poets use sound devices like rhyme, alliteration,
and meter to create musical effects, and often rely on vivid imagery, symbolism, and
figurative language (such as metaphors and similes) to paint pictures in the reader’s
mind. In the Foundation Phase, poetry plays an important role in developing language,
rhythm awareness, and appreciation for sounds and words.
(2 marks)
1.2 Explain what is meant by “sonorous and rhythmical effects” in poetry.
“Sonorous” refers to a rich, pleasant sound, while “rhythmical” relates to the patterned
flow of beats or syllables in language. In the context of poetry—especially nursery
rhymes—these effects make the poem enjoyable to listen to and easier to remember.
When young learners hear poems with repeated sounds, rhyme, and steady rhythms, it
supports their phonological awareness (understanding of sounds in spoken language).
For example, the nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” has a gentle, melodic
rhythm that captures children’s attention. Teachers can enhance this experience by
reading aloud with expression, clapping to the beat, or turning poems into songs, thus
helping learners engage both aurally and physically.
(2 marks)
1.3 How do illustrations support the teaching of nursery rhymes to young learners?
Illustrations serve as important visual aids when teaching poetry and nursery rhymes to
young children. Since many Foundation Phase learners are still developing their reading
skills, pictures help them make sense of the poem's content. Illustrations can depict
characters, actions, settings, and emotions, allowing learners to connect words with
visual meaning. This enhances comprehension and vocabulary development. For
Assignment 3
DUE 6 August 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Define poetry.
Poetry is a creative form of literature that conveys emotions, experiences, and ideas
through the imaginative and rhythmic use of language. It is typically written in lines and
arranged into verses called stanzas. Poets use sound devices like rhyme, alliteration,
and meter to create musical effects, and often rely on vivid imagery, symbolism, and
figurative language (such as metaphors and similes) to paint pictures in the reader’s
mind. In the Foundation Phase, poetry plays an important role in developing language,
rhythm awareness, and appreciation for sounds and words.
(2 marks)
1.2 Explain what is meant by “sonorous and rhythmical effects” in poetry.
“Sonorous” refers to a rich, pleasant sound, while “rhythmical” relates to the patterned
flow of beats or syllables in language. In the context of poetry—especially nursery
rhymes—these effects make the poem enjoyable to listen to and easier to remember.
When young learners hear poems with repeated sounds, rhyme, and steady rhythms, it
supports their phonological awareness (understanding of sounds in spoken language).
For example, the nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” has a gentle, melodic
rhythm that captures children’s attention. Teachers can enhance this experience by
reading aloud with expression, clapping to the beat, or turning poems into songs, thus
helping learners engage both aurally and physically.
(2 marks)
1.3 How do illustrations support the teaching of nursery rhymes to young learners?
Illustrations serve as important visual aids when teaching poetry and nursery rhymes to
young children. Since many Foundation Phase learners are still developing their reading
skills, pictures help them make sense of the poem's content. Illustrations can depict
characters, actions, settings, and emotions, allowing learners to connect words with
visual meaning. This enhances comprehension and vocabulary development. For
