Poetry Unit 6 Pre-test (Lit Device Terms)

What is the definition of a metaphor?

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

• A figure of speech that gives human traits to non-human things

• A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as"

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, implying one is the other, without using 'like' or 'as'. This distinguishes it from similes, which do use those terms.

Identify the literary term used in the following example: "The wind whispered through the trees."

• Simile

• Personification

• Metaphor

Answer explanation

The phrase "The wind whispered through the trees" attributes human qualities to the wind, suggesting it can whisper. This is an example of personification, where non-human elements are given human traits.

Which of the following is an example of a simile?

• "Her smile was as bright as the sun."

• "The thunder grumbled like an old man."

• "Time is a thief."

Answer explanation

A simile compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. 'Her smile was as bright as the sun' uses 'as' to compare her smile to the sun, making it a clear example of a simile. The other options do not use this structure.

What is the definition of alliteration?

• The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words

• The use of words that imitate sounds

• A humorous play on words

Answer explanation

Alliteration is defined as the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, making it the correct choice. The other options describe different literary devices, not alliteration.

Which of the following sentences contains an oxymoron?

• "The silence was deafening."

• "The stars danced playfully in the sky."

• "The car engine roared to life."

Answer explanation

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. "The silence was deafening" juxtaposes silence (absence of sound) with deafening (extremely loud), making it the correct choice.

What is the definition of onomatopoeia?

• A figure of speech that uses exaggeration

• The use of words that imitate sounds

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

Answer explanation

Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic sounds, such as 'buzz' or 'sizzle'. This definition aligns with the correct choice, distinguishing it from exaggeration or similes.

Identify the literary term used in the following example: "The buzzing bee flew away."

• Alliteration

• Onomatopoeia

• Consonance

Answer explanation

The phrase "The buzzing bee" uses the word "buzzing" to imitate the sound made by bees, which is characteristic of onomatopoeia. This literary term refers to words that phonetically resemble the sound they describe.

What is the definition of a pun?

• A humorous play on words

• A figure of speech that gives human traits to non-human things

• A direct comparison between two unlike things

Answer explanation

A pun is defined as a humorous play on words, often exploiting multiple meanings or similar sounds. This distinguishes it from other figures of speech like personification or simile, making the first choice the correct answer.

What is the definition of synecdoche?

• A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole

• A comparison using "like" or "as"

• The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Answer explanation

Synecdoche is a figure of speech where a part represents the whole, such as saying 'all hands on deck' to refer to the crew. This distinguishes it from other figures of speech like similes or alliteration.

What is the definition of assonance?

• The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words

• The use of words that imitate sounds

• A humorous play on words

Answer explanation

Assonance is defined as the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, which enhances the musical quality of language. This distinguishes it from other literary devices like onomatopoeia or puns.