Poetry Terminology Quiz

What is the definition of denotation?

• The literal or dictionary meanings of a word.

• A meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

• A figure of speech that uses like or as to compare two unlike ideas.

• Writing or speech that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses.

Answer explanation

The question asks for the definition of 'denotation'. The correct choice is 'The literal or dictionary meanings of a word.' This is because denotation refers to the literal, direct or dictionary meaning of a word, as opposed to its connotations or the ideas or feelings that the word suggests. The other options refer to connotation, simile, and sensory language, which are not the correct definitions of denotation.

Which term is used to describe a meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly?

• Denotation

• Connotation

• Simile

• Sensory Language

Answer explanation

The question asks for the term that refers to an implied meaning of a word, separate from its explicit description. The correct answer is 'Connotation'. While 'Denotation' refers to the literal or primary meaning of a word, 'Connotation' refers to the ideas or feelings that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. 'Simile' and 'Sensory Language' do not fit in this context.

What is a simile?

• The literal or dictionary meanings of a word.

• A meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

• A figure of speech that uses like or as to compare two unlike ideas.

• Writing or speech that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses.

Answer explanation

A simile is a figure of speech that uses the words 'like' or 'as' to draw comparisons between two unrelated ideas or concepts. It does not involve the literal meanings of a word, and it is not an implied meaning or a sensory appeal. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: 'A figure of speech that uses like or as to compare two unlike ideas.'

Which term refers to writing or speech that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses?

• Denotation

• Connotation

• Simile

• Sensory Language

Answer explanation

Sensory Language is the correct choice. It is the term that refers to writing or speech that appeals to one or more of the five senses. Neither Denotation, Connotation, nor Simile specifically refers to this appeal to the senses, making Sensory Language the best answer to the question.

What is a metaphor?

• The literal or dictionary meanings of a word.

• A meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

• A figure of speech that uses like or as to compare two unlike ideas.

• A figure of speech in which something is described as though it were something else.

Answer explanation

The question asks about the definition of a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by equating it with something else but in a non-literal manner, hence the correct answer is 'A figure of speech in which something is described as though it were something else.' This is not to be confused with simile, which uses 'like' or 'as' for comparison.

Which term refers to a figure of speech where exaggeration is used for effect or to stress a point?

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Personification

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

The question asks for the term that describes an exaggerated figure of speech used for impact or emphasis. The correct answer is 'Hyperbole'. Unlike the other options, a hyperbole is specifically used to create an exaggerated effect for emphasis or humor. A metaphor involves a symbolic meaning, personification assigns human characteristics to non-human entities, and symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas, none of which involve exaggeration.

What is personification?

• The literal or dictionary meanings of a word.

• A meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

• A type of figurative language in which a nonhuman subject is given human characteristics.

• The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.

Answer explanation

Personification is a type of figurative language, as mentioned in the question. Among the given options, the one that correctly defines personification is 'A type of figurative language in which a nonhuman subject is given human characteristics.' It does not refer to literal meanings, implied meanings, or symbolic meanings of words, but rather to the attribution of human traits or behaviors to non-human entities, thereby eliminating the other options.

Which term refers to the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense?

• Metaphor

• Hyperbole

• Personification

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

Symbolism is the correct answer because it refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas and qualities by giving them meanings that are different from their literal meaning. A metaphor is a figure of speech that indirectly compares two different things, while hyperbole is an exaggerated statement. Personification is attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

What is the definition of rhyme scheme?

• The regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem.

• The use of words that imitate sounds.

• The repetition of initial consonant sounds.

• A formal division of lines in a poem and is considered as a unit.

Answer explanation

The question asks for the definition of a rhyme scheme. The correct answer is 'The regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem.' This is because a rhyme scheme refers to the systematic and ordered pattern of rhymes in poetry, not the mimicry of sounds, repetition of sounds, or the formal structure of a poem.

Which term refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds?

• Rhyme Scheme

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration

• Stanza

Answer explanation

The term 'Alliteration' refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a sentence or a line. It is a stylistic device that writers use to create rhythm or draw emphasis. The other options, 'Rhyme Scheme', 'Onomatopoeia', and 'Stanza', do not fit the definition provided in the question.