Poetry Analysis — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A poem with end words cat, hat, sun, fun follows the ABAB rhyme scheme.
Corrected: A poem with end words cat, hat, sun, fun follows the AABB rhyme scheme.
AABB means lines 1-2 rhyme and lines 3-4 rhyme; ABAB alternates rhyming sounds.
2. Fix the sentence:
End words sky, tree, high, free show an AABB pattern.
Corrected: End words sky, tree, high, free show an ABAB pattern.
ABAB alternates rhymes between lines, while AABB pairs adjacent lines.
3. Fix the sentence:
The line 'the cat sat on the mat in a flat' shows alliteration.
Corrected: The line 'the cat sat on the mat in a flat' shows internal rhyme.
Internal rhyme matches sounds inside a line; alliteration repeats beginning consonant sounds.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The rhyme pattern where every other line rhymes is labeled ABAB.
ABAB creates an alternating rhyme effect that gives poems a balanced flowing rhythm.
2. A rhyme scheme where lines one and two rhyme, then lines three and four rhyme is AABB.
AABB is the simplest scheme; rhymed couplets stack to form clear pairs.
3. If only the second and fourth lines rhyme, the scheme is written as ABCB.
ABCB rhymes only lines two and four, leaving lines one and three unrhymed.
4. Repeating a beginning consonant sound across nearby words is called alliteration.
Alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds, creating tongue-twisting musical effects in poetry.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Write four end-rhyme words that would create an AABB scheme.
Sample answer: Sun, fun, tree, free would create AABB because sun-fun and tree-free pair up.
AABB requires consecutive rhyming pairs, so two distinct rhyme sounds must be chosen.
2. Why do poets sometimes choose ABCB instead of AABB?
Sample answer: ABCB sounds less predictable, giving the poem a freer, more song-like rhythmic feel.
ABCB feels looser than AABB, mirroring ballads and folk songs that flow naturally.