Here's a breakdown:
* Rhyme: Words that sound alike, usually focusing on the ending syllables.
* Rhyme scheme: The pattern of rhyme in a poem, often marked with letters (like AABB, ABAB, etc.).
* Types of rhyme:
* Perfect rhyme: Words that sound exactly alike (cat/hat, tree/sea).
* Near rhyme (or slant rhyme): Words that share similar but not identical sounds (moon/soon, rhyme/time).
Benefits of Rhyme:
* Memory: Rhyme makes poems easier to remember.
* Music: It adds a musical quality to the language.
* Emphasis: It can emphasize certain words or ideas.
* Emotional impact: Rhyme can create a sense of emotion, like joy, sadness, or suspense.
Examples of rhyme schemes:
* AABB: Each line rhymes with the line next to it.
* ABAB: The first and second lines rhyme, and the third and fourth lines rhyme.
* ABCB: The first and third lines rhyme, and the second and fourth lines rhyme.
Examples of rhymed poems:
* Traditional poems: Sonnets, limericks, ballads often use rhyme schemes.
* Modern poetry: Many modern poets also use rhyme, but they might experiment with more unconventional rhyme schemes or near rhyme.
Remember: While rhyme is a common element in poetry, it's not essential. Many poems are written without rhyme, focusing on other poetic devices like imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.