Use Context Clues

During Reading

Use Text Organization as You Read

1. Listen as your teacher reads the poem aloud. What idea or image was most striking to you?

2. Now read the poem on your own. Notice the line lengths. Then think about these questions as you read the poem again: What does the shape of the poem suggest? How is the format of the poem related to the subject?

Fix-Up Idea: Focus on Word Play

You will encounter unfamiliar words in this selection. Ferlinghetti uses alternate spellings and coined words to convey ideas. Use context clues and word parts to figure out the meaning. For example, you may be familiar with the phrase sleight-of-hand tricks. When you see sleight-of-foot tricks, you can imagine that the tricks consist of amazing footwork, instead of quick handwork. Keep a list of unfamiliar words that you encounter as you read and use context clues or word parts to figure out their meanings.