* Rhyming Words: Words that sound alike at the end. For example, "cat" and "hat" rhyme.
* Rhyme Scheme: Using letters to represent rhyming lines. Here's a common example:
* A The cat sat on the mat.
* B He looked at the rat.
* A He wanted to bat
* B But the rat ran off, that's that.
In this example:
* Lines 1 and 3 rhyme (both end in "mat") so they are marked "A."
* Lines 2 and 4 rhyme (both end in "rat") so they are marked "B."
Common Rhyme Schemes
* Couplet: Two lines that rhyme (AA)
* Triplet: Three lines that rhyme (AAA)
* Quatrain: Four lines with various rhyming patterns (ABAB, AABB, ABBA)
* Sonnet: A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG)
Why Rhyme Schemes Matter:
* Structure and Organization: They create a sense of order and rhythm.
* Memory: They help us remember the poem more easily.
* Emotional Impact: They can enhance the feeling or tone of the poem.
Important Note: Not all poems have rhyme schemes. Some poems use other techniques like rhythm, sound devices, and imagery to create their effect.