Figurative Language Symbols

What is a simile?

• a comparison using the words "like" or "as"

• a comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as"

• An adverbial phrase that compares one thing to another

• a type of poem in which two things are compared

Answer explanation

A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as". This distinguishes it from other comparisons that do not use these specific words.

Which of the following sentences contains a simile?

• The mouse was quiet

• The mouse was whisper-quiet

• The mouse was quiet as a whisper

• The mouse's footsteps sounded whispery

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'The mouse was quiet as a whisper' because it uses 'as' to compare the mouse's quietness to a whisper, which is a hallmark of a simile. The other options do not contain such comparisons.

In the sentence, "When the cat stalks his prey, he is a shadow," what two things are being compared?

• The cat and its prey

• The cat and its shadow

• The cat and a shadow

• The prey and its shadow

Answer explanation

The sentence compares the cat to a shadow, emphasizing how stealthy and elusive the cat is when stalking its prey. The correct choice is 'The cat and a shadow' as it highlights this comparison.

What is a metaphor?

• A comparison that uses the words "like" or "as"

• A comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as"

• An adverbial phrase that compares one thing to another

• A type of poem in which two things are compared

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. This distinguishes it from a simile, which does use those words.

Which of the following could be added to the phrase, "My cat is black" to form a simile?

• And furry

• All over

• In color

• As ink

Answer explanation

The phrase 'as ink' creates a simile by comparing the color of the cat to ink, using 'as' to highlight the similarity. The other options do not establish a comparison, making 'as ink' the correct choice.

Which of the following is a metaphor?

• His hair is flame red

• Like a flame, his hair is red

• In the sunlight, his hair is flame

• His hair is red as a flame

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'In the sunlight, his hair is flame,' uses 'flame' to describe his hair directly, making it a metaphor. The other options use similes, which compare using 'like' or 'as'.

Which one of the five senses is used in this sentence? The wolf howled painfully over the loss of his mate.

• Sight

• Sound

• Touch 

• Taste

Answer explanation

The sentence describes the wolf howling, which is an auditory action. Therefore, the sense used here is Sound, as it relates to the noise made by the wolf in expressing its pain.

Is this imagery?
They ate food

• Yes

• No

• No clue

Answer explanation

The phrase 'They ate food' describes an action and does not evoke sensory experiences or vivid descriptions, which are characteristics of imagery. Therefore, the correct answer is 'No'.

What is the best definition of imagery? 

• Imagery is the author’s use of language that appeals to the five senses in order to help the reader imagine what is being described.
  

• An act of saying what will or might happen in the future.

•  A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as.

• Exaggeration

Answer explanation

The correct definition of imagery highlights the author's use of language that engages the five senses, allowing readers to vividly imagine the described scenes, making it essential for creating a strong visual experience.

Why does an author use symbolism in their literary piece?

• To convey deeper meanings about a topic or subject

• To show the importance of symbols

Answer explanation

An author uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings about a topic or subject, allowing readers to explore complex ideas and emotions beyond the literal text.