Alliteration, Assonance, Consonance

Which of the following best defines alliteration?

• The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

• The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words.

• The repetition of consonant sounds at the end of words.

• A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Answer explanation

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words in a phrase. The other options define assonance, a form of consonance, or a simile.

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CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Sort these phrases by the main sound device used: Alliteration, Assonance, or Consonance.

Groups:

(a) Alliteration

,

(b) Assonance

,

(c) Consonance

• He struck a streak of bad luck.

• Paula's puppy plays peacefully.

• The cool blue moon shone soon.

• Go mow the lawn near the road.

Answer explanation

Alliteration: 'Paula's puppy plays' repeats the 'p' sound. Assonance: 'Go mow...road' repeats the long 'o' sound and 'cool blue...soon' repeats the 'oo' sound. Consonance: 'struck...luck' repeats the 'k' sound internally.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Which sentence contains the best example of assonance?

• The cat came crawling quietly.

• We must crush the crisp crust.

• I see the fire light in her eyes tonight.

• The wind was a howling wolf.

Answer explanation

This sentence repeats the long 'i' sound in 'fire,' 'light,' 'eyes,' and 'tonight.' The other options show alliteration ('cat came crawling'), consonance ('crush crisp crust'), or a metaphor.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Match each literary term to the sentence that best exemplifies it.

• The black truck was stuck in the thick muck.

• Consonance

• The daring dog dove deep into the dark water.

• Assonance

• He found his prize high in the night sky.

• Alliteration

Answer explanation

Alliteration is shown in 'daring dog dove deep.' Assonance is shown in the repeated long 'i' sound of 'high,' 'night,' and 'sky.' Consonance is demonstrated by the repeated 'ck' sound at the end of 'black,' 'truck,' 'stuck,' and 'muck.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

The sentence 'The black cat sat on the flat mat' most prominently uses which device?

• Alliteration, because of 'cat' and 'sat'.

• Assonance, because of the short 'a' sound.

• Consonance, because of the repeating 't' sound at the end of words.

• Simile, because it compares the cat to a mat.

Answer explanation

The most noticeable sound device is the repetition of the final 't' sound in 'cat,' 'sat,' 'flat,' and 'mat,' which is an example of consonance. While assonance is present, the final consonant repetition is stronger.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Which phrase best completes the sentence using alliteration? 'For dinner, we're having...'

• tacos, tater tots, and tea.

• pizza with cheese and sauce.

• a nice big piece of steak.

• chicken, rice, and beans.

Answer explanation

This option correctly uses alliteration by repeating the initial 't' sound in 'tacos,' 'tater tots,' and 'tea.' The other options do not feature repeated initial sounds.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Many companies use sound devices in their names. Which brand name is a clear example of alliteration?

• Dunkin' Donuts

• Starbucks Coffee

• Burger King

• Taco Bell

Answer explanation

The name 'Dunkin' Donuts' is a real-world example of alliteration because it repeats the initial 'd' sound. The other brand names do not use this device.

Read the following sentence: 'The low, slow drone of the approaching storm made the old stones moan.' What is the most likely effect of the assonance in this sentence?

• It creates a fast, energetic pace.

• It creates a somber, mournful tone.

• It makes the sentence sound light and cheerful.

• It emphasizes the sharpness of the storm.

Answer explanation

The repetition of the long 'o' sound in 'low,' 'slow,' 'drone,' 'approaching,' 'stones,' and 'moan' creates a deep, drawn-out sound that mimics a mournful or somber feeling, enhancing the mood of the sentence.

Classify each phrase based on its dominant sound device: Alliteration, Assonance, or Consonance.

Groups:

(a) Alliteration

,

(b) Assonance

,

(c) Consonance

• big bad bear

• safe and sound

• first and last

• try to light the fire

Answer explanation

Alliteration: 'big bad bear' repeats the 'b' sound. Assonance: 'try to light the fire' repeats the long 'i' sound. Consonance: 'first and last' repeats the 'st' sound, and 'safe and sound' repeats the 's' and 'nd' sounds.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

The line 'He gives his harness bells a shake' from a poem by Robert Frost primarily uses which device?

• Alliteration, with 'he' and 'harness'.

• Assonance, with the short 'i' sound in 'gives' and 'his'.

• Consonance, with the 's' sound in 'gives,' 'his,' and 'harness.'

• Metaphor, comparing the bells to a shake.

Answer explanation

The most frequent and noticeable repeated sound is the 's' sound in 'gives,' 'his,' and 'harness,' making consonance the primary device.