Writing Limericks

7th Grade
Limerick Defined:
A limerick is widely defined as a humorous poem, consisting of
five lines. The first, second, and fifth lines must have seven to ten
syllables while rhyming and having the same verbal rhythm. The
third and fourth lines only have to have five to seven syllables,
and have to rhyme with each other and have the same rhythm.
Rhyme Pattern or Scheme
The rhyme scheme or rhyme pattern is AABBA.
Examples:
There once was a girl from Troy (A)
She would always try to annoy (A)
She looked like a moose (B)
She laughed like a goose (B)
Her silliness always caught a boy (A)
There once was a musical king (A)
Who suddenly started to sing. (A)
The birds in the sky (B)
All started to fly (B)
Nearer that talented king. (A)
Limerick Pattern to Follow:
Line 1: Tell who the person is and where he or she is from
Line 2: Describe the person or tell something interesting about him or her
Line 3 & 4: Give more interesting detail about what was mentioned in line
two

 Line 5: Based on the first four lines, finish off the limerick with a surprising
and/or funny ending

Guided Practice
1) Think of a name, preferably not the name of someone you
know well. Create a cluster map or a mind map to brainstorm the
many words that rhyme with that name. Try and come up with 810 rhyming words. Examples of rhyming names: Sue, Joe, Sam,
Tony, Sarah, etc.
2) Now think of a place. Create a cluster map with 8-10 rhyming
words that rhyme with that place. Examples of a place: France,
space, store, swamp, school, Duarte, etc.
3) Lastly, think of an object. Create a cluster map with 8-10
rhyming words that rhyme with that object. Examples of an
object: toy, lamp, broom, bed, cookie, pan, etc.

Assignment: Write a Limerick

Assignment: Please write two limerick poems. You can either (1)
Write two separate limerick poems on separate topics; or (2)
Write one limerick poem with two separate stanzas also written in
limerick form. If you choose the second option, please keep the
same rhyme scheme, continuing the poem using the CCDDC
rhyme scheme.
Line 1

Line 2

Line 3

Line 4

Line 5

1) Choose the name of the person, place or thing your limerick

is going to be about.
2) Create your first line. You may want to follow the pattern
There was a

named

. or There once

was a
from
.
Make a list of words that rhymes with the last word in
your first line.
3) Think of a second line that rhymes with your first line.
4) Write two short lines that rhyme which tell something more
about your topic. This will be your b rhyme.
5) Now think of a final line that rhymes with your first line. You
may want to repeat part of your first line following the
pattern There was a

named

. or

There once was a

from
.
6) Write your whole limerick on a sheet of paper. Illustrate it
adding color and detail to your work. Enjoy!

Reources:
Crazy Limerick Machine
http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/year4/limerick.htm