Alliteration, Assonance, Consonance

Which literary device is the repetition of the same beginning consonant sound in a series of words?

• Assonance

• Consonance

• Alliteration

• Metaphor

Answer explanation

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds, like in 'silly snakes.' Assonance is vowel sound repetition, consonance is consonant sound repetition within or at the end of words, and a metaphor is a comparison.

Match each literary device to its correct definition.

• Repetition of internal vowel sounds

• Alliteration

• Repetition of beginning consonant sounds

• Consonance

• Repetition of internal or ending consonant sounds

• Assonance

Answer explanation

Each term is matched with its specific definition. Alliteration is at the start of words, assonance involves vowels inside words, and consonance involves consonants inside or at the end of words.

Which sentence uses assonance to describe a scene?

• The fireflies fly by night.

• The big brown bear bounced.

• The cat crept quietly.

• The wind was a howling wolf.

Answer explanation

This sentence repeats the long 'i' sound in 'fireflies,' 'fly,' and 'night,' which is an example of assonance. The other options show alliteration ('big brown bear') or a metaphor.

Sort each phrase into the category of sound device it uses: Alliteration, Assonance, or Consonance.

Groups:

(a) Alliteration

,

(b) Assonance

,

(c) Consonance

• The light of the fire is a sight

• Whispering winds

• Peter Piper picked a peck

• Go slow over the road

• The black cat sat back

• Mike likes his new bike

Answer explanation

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds ('Peter Piper picked,' 'Whispering winds'). Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds ('Go slow over the road,' 'light fire sight'). Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words ('black cat back,' 'Mike likes bike').

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

• Dunkin' Donuts

• Burger King

• Taco Bell

• Pizza Hut

Answer explanation

'Dunkin' Donuts' repeats the 'd' sound at the beginning of both words, making it an example of alliteration. The other names do not use this device.

Read the sentence: 'The quick, black truck got stuck in the thick mud.' Which sound device is most prominent?

• Alliteration

• Assonance

• Consonance

• Simile

Answer explanation

The sentence repeats the 'k' sound at the end or middle of the words 'quick,' 'black,' 'truck,' and 'stuck.' This repetition of a consonant sound is consonance.

Match each example phrase to the sound device it demonstrates.

• Alliteration

• Creepy crawly caterpillars

• Consonance

• The cool moon

• Assonance

• A short, sharp shock

Answer explanation

'The cool moon' repeats the 'oo' vowel sound, which is assonance. 'Creepy crawly caterpillars' repeats the beginning 'c' sound, which is alliteration. 'A short, sharp shock' repeats the 'sh' and 'k' consonant sounds, which is consonance.

Complete the sentence to create an example of alliteration: 'The tired turtle...'

• ...took a trip to town.

• ...walked very slowly.

• ...hid inside its shell.

• ...ate some green lettuce.

Answer explanation

This option continues the repetition of the 't' sound from 'tired turtle,' creating alliteration. The other options do not repeat the initial sound.

Classify each short phrase based on the main sound device used: Alliteration, Assonance, or Consonance.

Groups:

(a) Consonance

,

(b) Assonance

,

(c) Alliteration

• The pitter-patter of feet

• He seems to dream

• Try to light the fire

• Nodding, nearly napping

• First and last

• Funny phone

Answer explanation

Alliteration repeats initial sounds ('Funny phone' - f/ph sound; 'Nodding, nearly napping' - n sound). Assonance repeats vowel sounds ('He seems to dream' - long 'e' sound; 'Try to light the fire' - long 'i' sound). Consonance repeats consonant sounds ('First and last' - 'st' sound; 'pitter-patter' - 't' and 'r' sounds).

Which line from a poem best demonstrates assonance?

• The western wind was wild.

• Hear the mellow wedding bells.

• The snake slithered silently.

• The moon is like a balloon.

Answer explanation

This line repeats the short 'e' sound in 'mellow,' 'wedding,' and 'bells,' which is a clear example of assonance. The other options show alliteration or a simile.