Re-assessment: Unmasking the Mystery

During her English class, Grace read a sentence in a poem, 'Her smile is as bright as the sun.' Aria asked, 'What is this an example of?'

• A comparison between two or more things

• A comparison using like or as

• To give objects or things human qualities or actions

• A reference to something famous or well known

Answer explanation

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. This is why the correct answer to the question 'What is a simile?' is 'A comparison using like or as'. The other options do not accurately define what a simile is.

Maya wrote a sentence in her essay: 'David's courage was a lion, fearless and admired.' What is Maya using in this sentence?

• A metaphor, a comparison between two or more things

• A simile, a comparison using like or as

• Personification, to give objects or things human qualities or actions

• Allusion, a reference to something famous or well known

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two or more things that are somewhat alike but unlike in most respects. It does not use 'like' or 'as' for the comparison, which is a characteristic of a simile. It also does not involve giving human qualities to objects or things, which is personification, nor does it refer to something famous or well-known, which is an allusion. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A comparison between two or more things'.

What is personification?

• A comparison between two or more things

• A comparison using like or as

• To give objects or things human qualities or actions

• A reference to something famous or well known

Answer explanation

Personification is a literary device where human qualities or actions are given to objects or things. This is not a comparison or a reference to something famous, but a way to bring inanimate objects to life in a metaphorical sense. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'To give objects or things human qualities or actions'.

What is an allusion?

• A comparison between two or more things

• A comparison using like or as

• To give objects or things human qualities or actions

• A reference to something famous or well known

Answer explanation

An allusion is a reference to something famous or well known. It's not a comparison between things or using 'like' or 'as', nor is it about giving objects human qualities. The question asked for the definition of an allusion, and the correct answer reflects that definition.

Luna, Jackson, and Isla were helping their grandfather clean his old, decrepit house. In this context, what does 'decrepit' mean?

• Weak or feeble

• Uneasy or nervous

• Viciously or ferociously

• Consume or rot

Answer explanation

The word 'decrepit' is used to describe something that is weak or feeble, often due to old age or neglect. This aligns with the correct choice 'Weak or feeble'. The other options do not accurately define the term 'decrepit'.

Rohan is feeling 'hesitant' about his first public speaking event. What does 'hesitant' mean in this context?

• Weak or feeble

• Uneasy or nervous

• Viciously or ferociously

• Consume or rot

Answer explanation

The question asks for the meaning of the word 'hesitant'. Among the provided options, 'Uneasy or nervous' best describes the state of being hesitant. This implies a lack of certainty or sureness, often due to anxiety or nervousness, which aligns with the definition of 'hesitant'. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uneasy or nervous'.

In a school play, Aria portrayed a villain who acted 'mercilessly'. What does 'mercilessly' mean in this context?

• Weak or feeble

• Uneasy or nervous

• Viciously or ferociously

• Consume or rot

Answer explanation

The word 'mercilessly' is used to describe an action that is done without any mercy or compassion, often in a harsh or cruel manner. Among the given options, 'Viciously or ferociously' best describes this meaning. It implies an action done with intense force or violence, similar to 'mercilessly'.

Emma left a piece of fruit out in the sun. What will likely happen to the fruit over time?

• It will become weak or feeble

• It will feel uneasy or nervous

• It will act viciously or ferociously

• It will consume or rot (fester)

Answer explanation

The question asks for the meaning of the word 'fester'. Among the provided options, 'Consume or rot' is the correct choice. This is because 'fester' refers to the process where something becomes worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference, often used in the context of a wound or sore that becomes infected or inflamed.

Which type of comparison uses 'like' or 'as'?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Allusion

Answer explanation

A simile is a type of comparison that uses 'like' or 'as' to compare two different things. It is a figure of speech that highlights the similarities between the two objects being compared. In contrast, a metaphor, personification, and allusion do not use 'like' or 'as' for comparison. Therefore, the correct choice is a simile.

Which type of comparison is a reference to something famous or well known?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Allusion

Answer explanation

An allusion is a reference to something famous or well-known, such as a historical event, literary work, or famous person. It allows the writer to convey complex ideas or emotions by drawing on the reader's prior knowledge. In contrast, similes and metaphors are comparisons between two unlike things, while personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities. Therefore, the correct choice is allusion.