Sonnet Workshop
for Pupils
'What is a sonnet?' The sonnet is a poem with three important
elements that tell us clearly that it is a sonnet:
• It has 14 lines.
• Each line has 10 syllables.
• It is a rhyming poem, with a strict rhyme pattern.
The two most well-known forms of sonnet are the English (or Shakespearean sonnet)
and the Italian (or Petrarchan sonnet). Shakespeare popularised the English sonnet
and Petrarch was the first major writer of the Italian sonnet. Sonnets are generally
written in iambic pentameter.
Iambic pentameter means each line has 10 syllables. Syllables mean a division of
words. For example when you say ‘cat’ you are using 1 syllable, ‘water’ you are using
2: wat-er; ‘forever’ is three syllables for-ev-er; and so on. A way of remembering iambic
pentameter is to say out loud: ti-tum, ti-tum, ti-tum, ti-tum, ti-tum. So the opening to a
sonnet could be: Scribbler! Oh what joy you can find in here.
So remember, a sonnet has 14 lines and 10 syllables and don’t forget to pay
attention to the rhyme pattern!
Lines 1 and 3
Rhyme A
Lines 2 and 4
Rhyme B
Lines 5 and 7
Rhyme C
Lines 6 and 8
Rhyme D
Lines 9 and 11
Rhyme E
Lines 10 and 12
Rhyme F
Lines 13 and 14
Rhyme G
YoungWriters
Tip
Having trouble with
syllables?
How about shortening
words?
For example:
it is – it’s
every – ev’ry
about – ’bout
www.youngwriters.co.uk
Sonnet Workshop
for Pupils
Take a look at our example sonnet to help
you see the layout and pattern ...
A sonnet’s not a poem you should fear
(A)
If you break it down it’s easy to see
(B)
How you can write one too, just like Shakespeare
(A)
Then people will say ‘Shall I compare thee’
(B)
Stick to this pattern and you will be fine
(C)
Just follow the rhyme, it’s simple to do
(D)
Count the syllables - you’ll need ten per line
(C)
Then pick a subject that’s special to you
(D)
You’ve got the tools to become a poet
(E)
And write verse to rival the Stratford Bard
(F)
Now all that you’ve got to do is show it
(E)
Maybe you’ll win a prize if you work hard
(F)
Get started - it’s easier than you think
(G)
It is time to put it all down in ink.
(G)
Send your completed sonnet to us and we’ll enter it into our
‘Shake-Up Shakespeare’ competition! Enter online at
www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/shakeup-shakespeare.php
YoungWriters
www.youngwriters.co.uk