Academic Vocabulary Quiz

What is a metaphor?

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

• A direct comparison without using "like" or "as"

• A human quality given to non-human things

• A type of mood in writing

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a direct comparison that describes one thing as if it were another, without using 'like' or 'as'. This distinguishes it from similes, which do use those words.

Which of the following is an example of personification?

• The sun smiled down on us

• The car is as fast as lightning

• The room was dark and gloomy

• The book was as interesting as a movie

Answer explanation

Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities. 'The sun smiled down on us' gives the sun a human action (smiling), making it the correct example of personification. The other options use similes or descriptions.

What does the term "implicit" refer to in a text?

• Information that is directly stated

• Information that is suggested or understood

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

• A type of mood in writing

Answer explanation

The term "implicit" refers to information that is suggested or understood rather than directly stated. This means that the meaning is inferred from context rather than explicitly expressed in the text.

What is included in an extended writing response?

• A brief statement of opinion

• A detailed paragraph with textual evidence

• A list of unrelated facts

• A short summary of the text

Answer explanation

An extended writing response should include a detailed paragraph with textual evidence to support the argument or analysis, making it more substantial than just a brief opinion or unrelated facts.

What is the main characteristic of a strong response?

• It is vague and general

• It includes textual evidence and a clear answer

• It is very brief and lacks detail

• It is mostly opinion-based

Answer explanation

A strong response is characterized by including textual evidence and providing a clear answer, which supports the argument and enhances its credibility. This contrasts with vague or opinion-based responses.

What is personification?

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

• Giving human qualities to non-human things

• A direct statement of fact

• A type of mood in writing

Answer explanation

Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to non-human things, making them relatable and vivid. This distinguishes it from other options like similes or factual statements.

What should you look for when identifying metaphors?

• Words like "like" or "as"

• Direct comparisons between two unlike things

• Human qualities given to objects

• The overall mood of the text

Answer explanation

Metaphors involve direct comparisons between two unlike things, highlighting similarities without using 'like' or 'as'. This distinguishes them from similes, which do use those words.

What is the purpose of identifying explicit information?

• To guess the meaning

• To find directly stated facts and definitions

• To create a mood

• To use figurative language

Answer explanation

Identifying explicit information helps to find directly stated facts and definitions, which is essential for understanding the text accurately. This contrasts with guessing meanings or interpreting figurative language.

What is a key feature of a solid paragraph in a short answer response?

• It is very brief

• It includes a clear topic sentence and evidence

• It is mostly opinion-based

• It lacks structure

Answer explanation

A solid paragraph in a short answer response includes a clear topic sentence and evidence to support the main idea. This structure helps convey the message effectively, making it more persuasive and coherent.

What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

• A metaphor uses "like" or "as," a simile does not

• A simile uses "like" or "as," a metaphor does not

• Both use "like" or "as"

• Neither uses "like" or "as"

Answer explanation

A simile directly compares two things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as brave as a lion"), while a metaphor implies a comparison without these words (e.g., "time is a thief"). Thus, the correct choice is that a simile uses "like" or "as," a metaphor does not.