Rhyme Scheme
Definition

Rhyme scheme is the pattern of end rhymes in a stanza, with each rhyme encoded by a letter of
the alphabet, from “a” onward (for example: ABBA BCCB).
◦ Rhymes are classified by the degree of similarity between sounds within words and by their
placement within the lines or stanzas.
Seven Basic Rhyme Schemes
1. abab- rhyming: lines 1&3, lines 2&4
2. xaxa- rhyming: lines 2&4, not rhyming: 1&3
3. aabb- two rhymed couplets; rhyming: lines 1&2 and lines 3&4
4. aaaa- all lines rhyme
5. axaa- rhyming: lines 1,3,4, line 2 does not rhyme
6. abba- rhyming: lines 1&4, lines 2&3
7. axxa- rhyming: lines 1&4, not rhyming: lines 2&3
Examples:
My cat is nice.
My cat likes mice.
My cat is fat.
I like my cat.
A
A
B
B
My cat is nice.
My cat is fat.
My cat likes mice.
I like my cat.
A
B
A
B
My cat is gray.
My cat is fat.
My cat is cute.
I like my cat.
A
B
C
B
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Beautiful they all may be
But I love you
A
B
C
B
Helpful link with basic rhyme schemes explanation:
http://nicholastozier.com/words/have-you-mastered-all-six-of-these-basic-rhyme-schemes/