Definition
A kind of humorous five line poem with an
AABBA rhyme scheme.
This means lines 1,2 and 5 rhyme and lines 3 and
4 rhyme.
Also, lines 1,2 and 5 should have about 7 – 10
syllables and lines 3 and 4 should haveabout 5 –
7 syllables.
Rhyme and Rhythm
Pattern Example
There was an old man from Peru, (A)
da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS)
who dreamed he was eating his shoe. (A)
da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS)
He awoke in the night (B)
da DUM da da DUM (2 DUMS)
with a terrible fright, (B)
da da DUM da da DUM (2 DUMS)
and found out that it was quite true. (A)
da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (3 DUMS)
Sample Limerick
There once was a young girl named Jill.
Who was scared by the sight of a drill.
She brushed every day
So her dentist would say,
“Your teeth are so perfect; no bill.”
--Bruce Lansky
Tips
Pick names and words that are easy to rhyme.
Make sure your subject is silly or funny, but still
school appropriate.
Check that you have the right number of
syllables. Try counting out the beat.
How to Write a Limerick
Start by choosing the ending word of your first line.
Think of different words to rhyme with your first
lines’ ending.
What do you associate with those rhyming words?
See if you can come up with a theme!
Think of a story about those words and make it fit the
rhyme and rhythm patterns of a limerick.
Requirements
Creatively and effectively uses the appropriate poetic form (a limerick).
Student’s use of vocabulary is precise, vivid, and paints a strong clear and
complete picture in the reader’s mind.
Effectively uses 3 poetic techniques to reinforce the theme.
Has grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation; contains few,
if any, errors that do not interfere with the reader’s understanding.
Student’s work demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment
and goes beyond the basic requirements.
Effective and creative use of an illustration enhances the poem’s meaning
(add a drawing or a picture).
Types of Figurative
Language to Consider
Alliteration
•
Assonance
Allusion
Consonance
Rhyme
Hyperbole
End
Internal
Onomatopoeia
Metaphor
Simile
Personification
Rhythm
Repetition
Imagery