Rhyme schemes and Usage

Identify the rhyme scheme of this stanza: The sun begins to set, The moon is pale and white, A sight I won't forget, A beacon in the night.

• AABB

• ABAB

• ABCB

• ABCD

Answer explanation

The correct rhyme scheme is ABAB. The first line ('set') rhymes with the third line ('forget'), and the second line ('white') rhymes with the fourth line ('night').

Match each poem type to its correct description.

• A poem that does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme or meter.

• Free Verse

• A humorous 5-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme.

• Sonnet

• A 14-line poem with a specific, complex rhyme scheme.

• Limerick

Answer explanation

Each poem type is matched with its defining structural characteristic. A limerick is AABBA, a sonnet has 14 lines and a set scheme, and free verse has no set rules for rhyme.

When poets and readers mark a rhyme scheme, what do the letters (A, B, C) represent?

• The number of words in each line.

• The first letter of the last word in each line.

• The sound at the end of a line; lines that rhyme share the same letter.

• The topic of each stanza in the poem.

Answer explanation

The letters are used as a code to track the pattern of rhyming sounds at the end of lines. The first end sound is 'A', the next new sound is 'B', and so on.

Sort these short poems into categories based on their rhyme scheme: 'AABB Pattern' or 'ABAB Pattern'.

Groups:

(a) AABB Pattern

,

(b) ABAB Pattern

• My homework is all done, / It's time to go outside, / I want to have some fun, / With nowhere left to hide.

• My dog ran down the street, / He has such happy feet.

• I have a brand new book, / Please come and take a look.

• The sun is in the sky, / A gentle wind blows past, / A bird is flying high, / A shadow has been cast.

Answer explanation

Poems with an AABB pattern have two consecutive rhyming lines (couplets). Poems with an ABAB pattern have alternating rhymes in the first four lines.

Read the first three lines of this poem: The rain falls on the street, (A) The world is gray and old, (B) The sound is soft and sweet, (A) Which line below best completes the ABAB rhyme scheme?

• A story to be told.

• I wish it wasn't wet.

• I like the way it sounds.

• My boots are on my feet.

Answer explanation

To complete the ABAB pattern, the fourth line must rhyme with the second line ('old'). 'Told' rhymes with 'old', creating the correct scheme.

Identify the rhyme scheme of this stanza: The stars begin to gleam, It feels just like a dream. The day is at its close, Like a soft and sleeping rose.

• ABAB

• AABB

• ABCA

• ABCD

Answer explanation

The correct rhyme scheme is AABB. The first two lines ('gleam' and 'dream') rhyme with each other, and the last two lines ('close' and 'rose') rhyme with each other.

A humorous, five-line poem that follows an AABBA rhyme scheme is known as a...

• sonnet

• haiku

• limerick

• free verse poem

Answer explanation

A limerick is defined by its five-line structure and specific AABBA rhyme scheme, and it is typically funny. A sonnet has 14 lines, a haiku has 3, and free verse has no set rhyme.

Match each rhyme scheme notation to its correct description.

• A pattern where only the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other.

• ABAB

• Alternating rhyme, where the first and third lines rhyme, and the second and fourth lines rhyme.

• ABCB

• Two rhyming couplets, where the first and second lines rhyme, and the third and fourth lines rhyme.

• AABB

Answer explanation

Each notation represents a specific pattern of rhyme. AABB is for couplets, ABAB is for alternating rhymes, and ABCB is for when only the second and fourth lines rhyme.

Identify the rhyme scheme of this stanza: A secret I will keep, (A) About a hidden key, (B) While all the world's asleep, (A) It's safe because of me. (B)

• AABB

• ABCB

• ABBA

• ABAB

Answer explanation

The correct rhyme scheme is ABAB because the first line ('keep') rhymes with the third ('asleep'), and the second line ('key') rhymes with the fourth ('me').

Which of the following stanzas is an example of free verse, meaning it has no set rhyme scheme?

• The winter wind is cold, / A story to be told.

• The sun is warm and bright, / It is a lovely sight.

• The old wooden gate / hangs on one hinge. / A splash of orange paint / on the gray fence post.

• I saw a little boat, / It wore a tiny coat.

Answer explanation

This option is free verse because the end words ('gate', 'hinge', 'paint', 'post') do not rhyme in a predictable pattern. The other options all contain clear AABB rhyme schemes.