Year 9 Literary Devices Assessment

Which literary device involves giving human traits to non-human things?

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Alliteration

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

The literary device that involves giving human traits to non-human things is called personification. It allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by attributing human characteristics to animals, objects, or ideas.

What is the literary device where two contradictory terms appear together?

• Juxtaposition

• Oxymoron

• Paradox

• Allusion

Answer explanation

An oxymoron is a literary device that combines contradictory terms, such as 'deafening silence' or 'bittersweet.' This contrasts with juxtaposition, which places contrasting elements side by side, and paradox, which presents a seemingly self-contradictory statement.

Which device uses exaggerated statements for emphasis or effect?

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggerated statements to create emphasis or effect. It is distinct from simile, assonance, and onomatopoeia, which serve different purposes in language.

What is it called when a word imitates the sound it represents?

• Imagery

• Symbolism

• Onomatopoeia

• Metaphor

Answer explanation

The term for a word that imitates the sound it represents is 'onomatopoeia'. Examples include words like 'buzz' or 'sizzle', which mimic the sounds associated with the actions or objects they describe.

Which literary device compares two things using 'like' or 'as'?

Answer explanation

A simile is a literary device that directly compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. For example, saying 'as brave as a lion' illustrates this comparison, making 'simile' the correct answer.

When two things are placed close together with contrasting effect, it is called?

• Juxtaposition

• Hyperbole

• Assonance

• Imagery

Answer explanation

When two contrasting elements are placed side by side, it creates a striking effect known as juxtaposition. This literary device highlights differences and enhances meaning, making it the correct answer.

What is it called when a reference is made to a well-known story, event, or person?

• Allusion

• Paradox

• Oxymoron

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

An allusion is a reference to a well-known story, event, or person, often used to create a connection or add meaning. The other options, such as paradox and oxymoron, refer to different literary devices.

Which device involves the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words?

• Alliteration

• Assonance

• Metaphor

• Simile

Answer explanation

Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words, making it the correct choice. Assonance involves vowel sounds, while metaphor and simile are comparisons, not sound repetitions.

What is it called when a word or phrase evokes sensory experiences?

Answer explanation

The term 'imagery' refers to language that evokes sensory experiences, allowing readers to visualize, hear, taste, smell, or feel what is being described. It enhances the emotional and sensory impact of the text.

Which literary device involves a statement that contradicts itself but might be true?

• Paradox

• Hyperbole

• Juxtaposition

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

A paradox is a literary device that presents a statement that seems contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth. For example, 'less is more' is a paradox that suggests simplicity can lead to greater impact.