Name: _________________________
Sonnet Writing Assignment
Before we begin reading Romeo and Juliet, you will demonstrate your ability to understand one of the
key themes of the play- the danger of obsessive love. To do this, you will write a sonnet about
something that you love more than you should and/or something you love that gets you in trouble.
To receive full credit for your assignment, your sonnet must:
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Have EXACTLY 14 lines
Follow this rhyme scheme- ababcdcdefefgg
Be school appropriate
Be HANDWRITTEN on a piece of computer paper (no notebook paper
allowed!)
ANY form of plagiarism on this assignment will result in a ZERO for a writing grade with no chance to
redo the assignment. Write it yourself; it is not that hard. Your sonnet will be graded according to the
following rubric:
SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET CHECKLIST
Name_____________________________
Date_________________
Follows Shakespearean Sonnet Format (14 lines)
25 pts. ________
Follows Proper Rhyme Scheme
25 pts. ________
Appropriate Content/ Makes Sense
25 pts. ________
Conventions/Grammar
25 pts. ________
TOTAL
Period______
________
Commentary:
Make sure you save this paper so that you can staple it to the final draft of your
sonnet when you turn it in on FRIDAY, April 3rd.
There are a few Shakespearean sonnets on the back of this paper. Look over
them before you begin writing your own.