Question

Which statements about iambic pentameter are true? Check all that apply.

An iamb consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
A line of iambic pentameter contains five iambs, or ten syllables.
A line of iambic pentameter contains four iambs, or eight syllables.
Iambic pentameter does not follow a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.
Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter in his sonnets.

Answer 1

True:
- An iamb consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
- A line of iambic pentameter contains five iambs, or ten syllables.
- Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter in his sonnets.

False:
- A line of iambic pentameter contains four iambs, or eight syllables. (That would be tetrameter.)
- Iambic pentameter does not follow a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. (It generally does follow a regular pattern—though poets often use occasional variations.)