English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a famous poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It is often referred to as a ballad, which is a type of poem that tells a story and typically follows a specific rhyme scheme. Therefore, option D, "Ballad," is the correct answer.

Option A, "Epic," is incorrect because while the poem does tell a story, it is not long enough to be considered an epic as it is only a few pages in length.

Option B, "Drama," is also incorrect because drama refers to a genre of literature that is typically meant to be performed on stage. The poem is not written in a format that could be performed as a play.

Option C, "Sonnet," is also incorrect because a sonnet is a specific type of poem that follows a specific rhyme and syllable scheme. "The R