Why rhyme? What does rhyming lend poetry? o Pleasing to the ear o Musicality o Deepen meaning: draws attention to certain words, highlighting them o Humor o Strengthens form: when poetry is read aloud, a rhyme at the end of a verse can help the reader hear when the lines end and thus better “hear” the shape of the poem.

Rhyming schemes: End rhymes: when the end of a line rhymes with the end of another line. Internal rhymes: when rhymes occur within lines The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow followed free; We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea. Which are the internal rhymes and which are the external? Internal: blew-flew External: free-sea For more info visit: #1

Rhyming schemes: True rhymes or exact rhymes: when final vowel and consonant sounds (or the final syllables in longer words) are exact matches to the ear. Examples: “boy” and “toy”; “smart” and “art”; “fellow” and “yellow”; “surgery” and “perjury” Off-rhymes or slant-rhymes: part of the sound matches exactly, but part doesn’t. Off-rhymes use assonance and consonance. Examples: “fate” and “saint”; “work” and “spark” Assonance: a similarity between vowel sounds. “Sing,” “lean,” and “beat” are examples of assonance because they have a similar “e” sound. “Boat,” “bone,” and “mole” all have a similar “o” sound. Consonance: a similarity between consonant sounds. “Lake,” “book,” and “back” have consonance because they share the “k” sound, eventhough the vowel sounds in these words are different. The same consonants at the beginning of the word is called alliteration. #2

Off-rhymes can often have a subtler effect than true rhymes and it also gives you choices of more words to rhyme. Hence why they are often used in music.

Can you identify the rhymes? Internal vs. External True vs. Off-Rhymes

1.Without looking at the other person’s paper, read aloud your poem, alternating lines. 1.Read it through a second time and focus on pronunciation, making sure that you are both comfortable with it. Ask Laura if you have any questions 1.Circle each rhyme. 2.Label each rhyme: is it internal or external? Is it true or off? 3.Prepare to read your poem aloud (alternating lines) to the rest of the group. Instructions

Limericks: 5 lines, aabba There was an Old Man with a beard, Who said, "It is just as I feared!– Two Owls and a Hen, Four Larks and a Wren, Have all built their nests in my beard!” There was a Young Lady whose chin, Resembled the point of a pin: So she had it made sharp, And purchased a harp, And played several tunes with her chin. Limerick prompts: He was an unusual boy… There once was a very old dog… A beautiful girl in my town… There was a young woman whose head… Two poets who couldn't agree… aabbaaabba