1. first, you will select a topic. write your topic in the sonnet organizer where it says, “my topic is.” sonnets are often written to make some type of point or provide an example on a given subject. some good topic suggestions for sonnets include: • spring or another preferred season • love or another emotion that remains equally relevant • a sport • a favorite animal
(i chose spring and winter)
2. then you will choose a second topic to compare to your first selected topic. write your second topic in the sonnet organizer where it says, “my contrasting topic is.” your second topic should be something that contrasts. for example, if you chose to write about spring, you may choose to compare spring to another season, such as fall. if you chose to write about football, you may choose to compare football to another sport, such as soccer.
3. next, you will start to write your sonnet. in the sonnet organizer, you will first compare your two chosen topics in the boxes titled “first quatrain.” discuss the things that are similar about your two topics. remember, your first and third lines need to rhyme, while the second and fourth lines need to rhyme.
4. next, you will draft the second quatrain. in the sonnet organizer, you will contrast your two chosen topics in the boxes titled “second quatrain.” discuss the things that make your topics different. again, remember your first and third lines need to rhyme, while the second and fourth lines need to rhyme.
5. in the “third quatrain” on your sonnet organizer, you will discuss why your selected topic, or your first topic, is so important. what makes this topic meaningful to you? why should people care about this topic? again, remember the rhyme scheme!