Which term refers to a recurring group of lines in a poem?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 English Unfamiliar Texts Exam. Study with multiple choice quizzes and thorough explanations. Ace your exam!

The term that refers to a recurring group of lines in a poem is 'stanza.' A stanza functions much like a paragraph in prose; it groups several lines together to create a distinct section of the poem. Each stanza often follows a specific pattern in terms of line length and rhyme scheme, contributing to the overall structure of the piece. This allows poets to organize their thoughts and themes more effectively, providing a natural pause and separation of ideas within the work.

While 'verse' can sometimes refer to a single line of poetry or poetry in general, it does not specifically denote a recurring group of lines. 'Rhyme' relates to the repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines, and 'couplet' refers specifically to two lines that usually rhyme and are often of the same length, but not to larger groups or recurring sections like stanzas. Thus, 'stanza' is the most accurate term for a recurring group of lines in a poem.

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