Figures of Speech Quiz

Questions and Answers

Match the literary devices with their definitions:

Simile = Comparison using 'as' or 'like' Metaphor = Exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally Personification = Indirection reference to an outside figure or idea Hyperbole = Describing nonhuman elements with human qualities

Match the literary devices with their examples:

Irony = A man tastes his wife's delicious home-cooked meal and exclaims, 'I shall never eat this' Allusion = Stop acting so smart-its not like you're Einstein or something. Juxtaposition = It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Euphemism = 'I'm so sorry, but he didn't make it.'

Match the literary devices with their characteristics:

Oxymoron = Combination of contradictory meanings Epigraph = Quote or passage at the beginning of a text Alliteration = Series of words with the same beginning sound Symbolism = Use of an object to represent something else

Match the literary devices with their typical usage:

Simile = Enhancing vividness through comparison Hyperbole = Creating emphasis through exaggeration Personification = Giving human traits to nonhuman figures Allusion = Connecting to popular culture or history Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary devices with their effects in writing:

Metaphor = Creating imagery through non-literal expression Juxtaposition = Highlighting contrasts between concepts Euphemism = Softening harsh truths in expression Symbolism = Deepening meaning by representing ideas Signup and view all the answers

Match the definitions to the terms they describe:

Euphemism = Less direct expression for harsh realities Oxymoron = Pair of contradictory terms Personification = Nonhuman object given human traits Irony = Contrast between appearance and reality Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary devices with a related concept:

Allusion = Reference Symbolism = Representation Hyperbole = Exaggeration Epigraph = Quotation Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary concepts with their examples:

Metaphor = The clouds are soft cotton in the sky. Simile = She is vicious as a lion. Juxtaposition = Charles Dickens novel A Tale of Two Cities Alliteration = Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary devices with their typical examples:

Euphemism = 'He passed away' instead of 'He died' Irony = A fire station burns down Personification = The wind whispered Hyperbole = I'm so hungry I could eat a horse Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary devices to their origins or usage:

Alliteration = Sound device Symbolism = Represents complex ideas Oxymoron = Condensed paradox Juxtaposition = Contrasts elements for effect Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Figures of Speech/Literary Devices

Literary devices enhance writing by expressing ideas, emphasizing important concepts, and connecting readers to characters and themes.
Each device serves a unique function that enriches storytelling and communication.

Simile

Compares two different things using "as" or "like."
Example: "She is vicious as a lion."

Metaphor

Describes objects, ideas, or actions in non-literal terms, creating a direct comparison.
Example: "The clouds are soft cottons in the sky."

Personification

Attributes human-like qualities to nonhuman figures or abstract concepts, making them relatable.

Hyperbole

Utilizes exaggerated statements for emphasis, not meant to be taken literally.
Example: "I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse."

Irony

Highlights contrasts between reality and appearance, often leading to unexpected outcomes.
Example: A man enjoying his wife's cooking exclaims, "I shall never eat this!"

Allusion

Makes indirect references to figures, places, events, or ideas from outside the text.
Example: "Stop acting so smart—it's not like you're Einstein or something."

Juxtaposition

Involves comparing and contrasting different ideas or characters to highlight differences.
Example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" from Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities.

Euphemism

Replaces harsh or blunt terms with milder expressions to convey sensitivity.
Example: "I'm so sorry, but he didn't make it" as a gentler way of saying someone has died.

Oxymoron

Combines contradictory terms to create a striking effect or unique meaning.
Examples: "Deafening silence," "organized chaos," "bittersweet."

Epigraph

Introduces a text with a relevant quotation, poem, or passage to set the tone or theme.
Example: "Lawyers, I suppose, were children once" as the epigraph for To Kill a Mockingbird.

Alliteration

Features a series of words or phrases starting with the same sound, enhancing rhythm and memorability.
Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Symbolism

Uses an object, figure, or event to represent broader concepts, adding depth to the narrative.
Example: In The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes Gatsby's hope and dreams.

Description

Test your knowledge of various literary devices such as simile and metaphor. Understand how writers use these tools to enhance their narratives and convey deeper meanings in their texts. This quiz will help you recognize and appreciate the power of language in literature.