Internal Rhyme Examples and Activities
An internal rhyme is when two words within the same line rhyme because of the sound each word makes. Internal rhymes will repeat a sound between and within a verse. Internal rhymes can include words placed at the end of a verse.
An internal rhyme will create more connection through words and sounds. Internal rhymes, much like end rhymes, can be very fun to read.
Examples
To understand internal rhyme, it’s important to review examples to see how poets use internal rhymes. These are some samples from famous poets and those that are original to ReadingVine’s collection of poetry materials!
In this excerpt from “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, Poe uses internal rhyme with the words “remember” “December,” “ember,” as well as a second set with “morrow” “borrow” and “sorrow.”
“Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December;
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore…”
In Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Block City,” he implements internal rhyme, as well as end rhyme.
“Great is the palace with pillar and wall,
A sort of a tower on the top of it all…”
In “Sea Hag,” the poet uses the words “dragged,” “gasped,” and “started,” to create internal rhyme.
“The current dragged him
Under the drink.
He gasped for breath;
He started to sink.”
Internal rhymes are a great way to practice integrating diverse vocabulary and creating interesting rhythms within a poem. Poets can use words strategically in order to create a certain tone or mood within their original works.
Internal Rhyme Printable Activities (PDFs)
Students can use this printable internal rhyme anchor chart as a reference sheet for learning about poetry.
Have your students read this poem and underline the words that rhyme within each line. Then, write the rhyming words in a list below.
Students will read each poem and highlight the words that rhyme within each line.
In this activity, students will be asked to read the poem and underline the rhyming words within each line. Then, they will write a list of the rhyming words in the given box.
Students will circle each word under the sentence that would accomplish internal rhyme.
Here, students will practice poetry skills by filling in the blank for each sentence with a word that rhymes internally.
In this printable worksheet, students will read each given sentence and then add to the line using words to create internal rhyme.
Students will read this excerpt from "The Raven" and circle the words that create internal rhyme. Then, students will write about the meaning of the poem in their own words.
Students will practice their skills by writing an original poem including 6-8 verses using internal rhyme. For a challenge, use the given words: beach, sun, sand, and sea.
Students will be asked to read the excerpt of "Pink Dominoes" by Rudyard Kipling. Then, they will circle the words that create internal rhyme.