New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a type of poetry?

1. Haiku

2. Novel

3. Sonnet

4. Limerick

The correct answer is: Novel

The identification of the novel as not being a type of poetry is correct because a novel is a lengthy narrative work of fiction that tells a story, typically involving characters, a plot, and various themes, without the limitations of structure and form associated with poetry. In contrast, haikus, sonnets, and limericks are all distinct forms of poetry characterized by their unique structures, rhythmic patterns, and often creative use of language. A haiku, for example, consists of three lines with a specific syllable pattern; a sonnet is traditionally a 14-line poem with a particular rhyme scheme; and a limerick is a five-line poem with a specific meter and a distinctive rhyme pattern. Each of these forms focuses on expression through concise and often highly stylized language, marking them as poetry, unlike a novel, which prioritizes storytelling.