Which element describes the beat in a song or poem?

Rhythm is the element that specifically refers to the pattern of sounds and silences in music or poetry, making it an essential component in determining the beat. It creates a structure that guides the flow and pace of the piece, affecting how the audience experiences the music or text. In songs and poems, rhythm is responsible for the recurring patterns that can make the work engaging and memorable.

While melody involves the actual tune or sequence of notes in music, and tempo indicates the speed at which a piece is performed, they do not directly address the underlying structured pattern of beats. Cadence, on the other hand, pertains to the modulation of voice or phrase endings in speech or music, which might relate but does not encompass the broader concept of beat as rhythm does. Therefore, rhythm is the most accurate term that describes the beat in a song or poem.