IB English Authorial Choices

What is an allegory?

• A narrative with a surprise ending

• A poem with a fixed rhyme scheme

• A humorous imitation of a serious work

• A story where characters represent abstract ideas

Answer explanation

An allegory is a story where characters symbolize abstract ideas, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal narrative. This distinguishes it from other forms like surprise endings or humorous imitations.

During a poetry class, Scarlett noticed that many poems use a technique where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of words. What is this technique called?

• A narrative technique involving flashbacks

• Repetition of vowel sounds

• Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words

• A comparison using 'like' or 'as'

Answer explanation

Alliteration refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, creating a rhythmic effect in language. This distinguishes it from other literary devices like assonance or similes.

What is an example of dramatic irony?

• A sudden realization by a character

• A character unaware of something known to the audience

• A direct address to an absent person

• A humorous exaggeration

Answer explanation

Dramatic irony occurs when a character is unaware of information that the audience knows. This creates tension and engagement, as the audience anticipates the character's reaction when they eventually discover the truth.

What is the definition of 'ambivalence'?

• Simultaneous contradictory feelings

• A clear and straightforward attitude

• A sudden change in tone

• A humorous exaggeration

Answer explanation

'Ambivalence' refers to experiencing simultaneous contradictory feelings about a person or situation, making the first answer choice correct. The other options do not capture this duality.

Emma is writing a story and wants to choose words that evoke certain feelings in her readers. What does 'connotation' refer to?

• The literal meaning of a word

• An association suggested by a word

• A type of poetic meter

• A narrative structure

Answer explanation

'Connotation' refers to the associations or emotions that a word evokes beyond its literal meaning. Therefore, the correct choice is 'An association suggested by a word', as it captures this broader significance.

During a class discussion, William suddenly understood the deeper meaning of a poem they were studying. What is this moment called in literature?

• epiphany

• exaggeration

• A narrative with a surprise ending

• parallelism

Answer explanation

An epiphany in literature refers to a sudden realization or awakening experienced by a character, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves or their situation. This distinguishes it from humor, surprise endings, or structured poetry.

What is an example of hyperbole?

• A subtle understatement

• A deliberate exaggeration for effect

• A balanced contrast of ideas

• A narrative with a moral lesson

Answer explanation

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves deliberate exaggeration for effect, making 'A deliberate exaggeration for effect' the correct choice. The other options do not represent hyperbole.

What is the purpose of a metaphor?

• To provide a literal description

• To compare two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'

• To create a rhythmic pattern

• To narrate a historical event

Answer explanation

A metaphor is used to compare two unlike things directly, enhancing understanding and imagery without using 'like' or 'as'. This distinguishes it from similes, which do use those words.

What does 'oxymoron' mean?

• A long narrative poem

• A figure of speech with contradictory terms

• A type of dramatic monologue

• A humorous play on words

Answer explanation

An 'oxymoron' is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, such as 'deafening silence' or 'bittersweet'. This makes the second answer choice correct, as it accurately defines the term.

What is the function of foreshadowing in literature?

• To reveal the ending of the story

• To provide background information

• To hint at events that will occur later

• To introduce the main characters

Answer explanation

Foreshadowing serves to hint at events that will occur later in the story, creating anticipation and building tension. This technique engages readers by providing subtle clues about future developments.