Rhyme schemes and Usage

Read the stanza below. What is its rhyme scheme? The sun is high, the day is bright, I love to fly my colorful kite. It soars above the grassy ground, Without a single, lonely sound.

• AABB

• ABAB

• ABCB

• ABCA

Answer explanation

The correct rhyme scheme is AABB because the first two lines rhyme ('bright' and 'kite') and the last two lines rhyme ('ground' and 'sound').

When marking a rhyme scheme, what does it mean if two lines are both labeled with the letter 'B'?

• They are the second and third lines of the poem.

• They both contain the letter 'B' in them.

• Their last words rhyme with each other.

• They have the same number of syllables.

Answer explanation

In rhyme scheme notation, lines that share the same letter have end words that rhyme. The letter 'B' is used for the second set of rhyming words in a poem.

Match each type of poem to its specific structure and rhyme scheme.

• A funny, five-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme.

• Haiku

• A three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable structure and no rhyme.

• Sonnet

• A fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter.

• Limerick

Answer explanation

Each poem type has a distinct structure. A limerick is a humorous five-line poem with an AABBA rhyme scheme. A haiku is a three-line poem based on syllables (5-7-5). A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme.

Identify the rhyme scheme of the stanza below. The sun is a golden eye, The clouds are fluffy sheep, That slowly, softly creep Across the endless sky.

• ABAB

• AABB

• ABBA

• ABCB

Answer explanation

The first and fourth lines rhyme ('eye' and 'sky'), creating the 'A' rhymes. The second and third lines rhyme ('sheep' and 'creep'), creating the 'B' rhymes. This pattern, where the 'B' rhymes are enclosed by the 'A' rhymes, is called ABBA.

Sort the following rhyme schemes into two categories: 'Couplets' or 'Alternating Rhymes'.

Groups:

(a) Couplets

,

(b) Alternating Rhymes

• ABAB

• EFEF

• AABB

• CCDD

Answer explanation

Couplets are pairs of rhyming lines that follow each other, like AABB and CCDD. Alternating rhymes are patterns where lines rhyme every other line, like ABAB and EFEF.

Which type of poem is a humorous, five-line poem that follows an AABBA rhyme scheme?

• Sonnet

• Haiku

• Limerick

• Free Verse

Answer explanation

A limerick is defined by its five-line structure, AABBA rhyme scheme, and often humorous content. The other options have different structures.

Read the stanza of the poem below. What is its rhyme scheme? The river flows so fast, The trees are green and tall, The summer cannot last, I love to see it all.

• AABB

• ABBA

• ABCB

• ABAB

Answer explanation

The second and fourth lines rhyme ('tall' and 'all'), creating the 'B' rhyme. The first line ('fast') and the third line ('last') do not rhyme with each other or with the other lines, so they are labeled 'A' and 'C' respectively. This creates an ABCB pattern.

When poets and readers identify a rhyme scheme, which symbols are used to mark the pattern of rhyming words at the end of lines?

• Numbers (1122)

• Punctuation marks (!!??)

• Letters of the alphabet (AABB)

• Roman numerals (I I II II)

Answer explanation

The standard convention for notating a rhyme scheme is to use letters of the alphabet, starting with 'A' for the first rhyme sound.

Match each rhyme scheme notation to its description.

• Two rhyming couplets, one after the other.

• ABBA

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

• AABB

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

• ABCB

• An 'enclosed' rhyme, where the first and fourth lines rhyme around a rhyming couplet.

• ABAB

Answer explanation

Each notation represents a different structural pattern of rhymes. AABB is couplets, ABAB is alternating, ABBA is enclosed, and ABCB has only one rhyming pair.

What is the rhyme scheme of this poem? My dog is sleeping on the floor, He doesn't want to play. I hear a knock upon the door, 'Who's there?' I want to say.

• AABB

• ABAB

• ABCA

• ABCB

Answer explanation

The last words of the first and third lines ('floor' and 'door') rhyme (A), and the last words of the second and fourth lines ('play' and 'say') rhyme (B).