Poetry Elements — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The pattern ABAB is called rhyme.
Corrected: The pattern ABAB is called a rhyme scheme.
A rhyme scheme names the order of end rhymes across lines, while rhyme is just the matching sound itself.
2. Fix the sentence:
Words that smell, taste, or feel are call imagery.
Corrected: Words that smell, taste, or feel are called imagery.
After are, the verb call must be the past participle called so the passive sentence is grammatically complete.
3. Fix the sentence:
An AABB poem have two pairs of rhymes.
Corrected: An AABB poem has two pairs of rhymes.
The subject poem is singular, so it needs the singular verb has rather than the plural form have here.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A four-line stanza rhyming cat/hat/bee/tree follows the AABB scheme.
Two consecutive rhyme pairs (cat-hat, bee-tree) mean the labels are A-A then B-B, the AABB pattern.
2. A poem rhyming sky/blue/high/true uses the ABAB scheme.
Lines 1 and 3 rhyme (sky-high) and lines 2 and 4 rhyme (blue-true), making an alternating ABAB pattern.
3. When only lines 2 and 4 rhyme, the scheme is ABCB.
Unrhymed first and third lines get unique letters A and C, while matching second and fourth lines share the letter B.
4. Words that appeal to the five senses create imagery.
Imagery is the poet's tool of sensory language that helps readers see, hear, smell, taste, or feel the scene.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. How do you label the rhyme scheme of a four-line stanza?
Sample answer: I give matching end sounds the same letter, starting with A, so cat-hat-sun-fun becomes AABB.
Rhyme schemes use letters where every new end sound earns the next letter and repeated sounds reuse earlier letters.
2. What is imagery, and why do poets use it?
Sample answer: Imagery is sensory language; poets use it so readers can picture, hear, or feel the poem clearly.
Imagery makes abstract ideas concrete by appealing to senses, which strengthens emotional impact and memorability for readers.