What is rhyme?

Rhyme is not the same as rhythm. Rhyme refers to patterns of common sounds, while rhythm refers to the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. There are different types of rhyme. The most common type of rhyme involves patterns of similar sounds at the end of a line. The pattern of rhyming sounds in a poem is called the “rhyme scheme”. Rhyme schemes are indicated with letters. The letter A is written beside the first line. All lines of the poem that rhyme with the first line also receive the letter A. The next line not rhyming with the first line is given the letter B. All sentences rhyming with this line are also given the letter B. The process continues until all of the lines receive a letter. Look at the example below.

Not all poems rhyme perfectly. Some poetry only has parts that rhyme. This is called imperfect rhyme. Other poetry does not rhyme at all. This is called free verse.