Figurative Language Quiz

The wind whispered secrets through the trees.

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

• Idiom

Answer explanation

Human qualities (whispering secrets) are given to an inanimate object (the wind).

The thunder crashed like a drum roll in the night sky.

• Metaphor

• Onomatopoeia

• Simile

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

While there's a simile ("like a drum roll"), highlight of the speech is "crashed", an onomatopoeia, as it imitates the sound of thunder.

She was as busy as a bee preparing for the party.

• Alliteration

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Idiom

Answer explanation

It compares two different things ("she" and "a bee") using the word "as."

He’s got a chip on his shoulder about losing the contest.

• Idiom

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

Answer explanation

"A chip on his shoulder" is a common expression meaning someone is resentful or holds a grudge.

The flames danced wildly in the fireplace.

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

• Alliteration

• Simile

Answer explanation

Human actions (dancing wildly) are used to describe the flames.

The buzz of the bees echoed through the garden.

• Idiom

• Simile

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

"Buzz" is an example of onomatopoeia as it imitates the sound of bees.

Life is a rollercoaster full of ups and downs.

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Personification

• Idiom

Answer explanation

It directly states that "life is a rollercoaster," implying a comparison without using "like" or "as."

He was cool as a cucumber during the test.

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Idiom

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

While it functions like a simile, "cool as a cucumber" is a well-established idiom meaning calm and composed.

The sun smiled down on us as we played.

• Personification

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Onomatopoeia

Answer explanation

A human action (smiling) is used to describe the sun.

Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers for the picnic.

• Metaphor

• Idiom

• Alliteration

• Personification

Answer explanation

The repetition of the initial 'p' sound in multiple words.