What is meant by rhyme schemes in poetry?

Rhyme schemes refer specifically to the pattern of rhymes that occur at the ends of lines in poetry. This pattern is often indicated using letters to denote which lines rhyme with each other. For example, in a poem where the first and third lines rhyme, and the second line does not rhyme with them, the scheme would be denoted as ABA. Identifying rhyme schemes allows readers and listeners to understand the structure of the poem and contributes to its musical quality, enhancing the overall experience of the work.

The other options, while relevant to poetry, do not define rhyme schemes. The choice of words pertains to diction, line length refers to the physical structure or formatting of the poem, and meter involves the rhythmic structure of the verses. None of these elements directly describe the pattern of end rhymes, which is the crux of what a rhyme scheme entails.