Differences Between Poems, Drama, and Prose Practice Test

Read the poem, drama, and prose. How is the poem organized differently from the prose?

Poem:

First Day Steps

My knees feel wiggly, jelly-spring,

New halls echo as lockers sing.

I take one breath, then walk on through,

A brand-new start, a sky so blue.

Drama:

Characters: MAYA, MRS. LOPEZ

Scene: Classroom doorway. MAYA holds her backpack tight.

MRS. LOPEZ: (smiling) Welcome, Maya! Please come in.

MAYA: (softly) Thank you. (looks around)

Prose:

Maya paused at the classroom door on her first day of school. The hallway sounded loud, but Mrs. Lopez smiled and welcomed her. Maya took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Read the poem, drama, and prose. Why might an author choose drama instead of prose?

Poem:

Courage Jump

The pool looks deep, the water cool,

My fear feels big, but I’m no fool.

I count to three, then splash right in,

And brave feels like a happy grin.

Drama:

Characters: ZOE, LIFEGUARD

Scene: Pool edge. ZOE toes the water.

ZOE: (nervous) What if I can’t do it?

LIFEGUARD: (encouraging) Take a breath. Count to three.

ZOE: One… two… three! (jumps)

Prose:

Zoe stood at the pool edge and felt scared to jump. The lifeguard encouraged her to count to three. Zoe jumped in and felt proud of herself.