How do I approach a closed reading poetry exam and what is the best way to structure my essay?

Although approaching an unseen poem in an exam can be quite scary, with practice and planning this part to the exam can be fun and easy. Firstly, read and reread the poem and take each part of the poem seperately to ensure that you gain an understanding from it. The key to this exam is to identify the techniques used in the poem and talk about their effects on you. When analysing the poem make sure to look out for the imagery (adjectives and symbolisms), poetical techniques such as metaphors, similies, onomatopoeia, alliteration and any other technique, and look at the structure of the poem as well as the rhyming scheme. When you are identifying these key techniques in the poem, make sure to think about and understand the effects of these on the reader and the poem as a whole which is the essential part to your essay.
After analysing the poem, planning your essay is key. I would recommend a simple structure that ensures that you address the key features of the poem and the effects this has on the reader. I would start with a simple and quick introduction that addresses what the poem is about and what you will address in the rest of your essay, you can identify the themes and the tone of the poem, here. I would then go on to talk about the imagery in the poem talking about the techniques and their effects on you as a reader. I would then, also, make sure you have a paragraph on the structure and tone of the essay and again the effects this has on you as a reader. In your conclusion, briefly address everything you have talked about and bring your essay to a close.