Onomatopoeia

What is the primary function of onomatopoeia in writing?

• To compare two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

• To give human qualities to inanimate objects.

• To create a sound effect that mimics the thing described.

• To exaggerate a statement for emphasis.

Answer explanation

Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds they represent, appealing to the reader's sense of hearing. The other options describe a simile, personification, and hyperbole.

Sort the following words into two categories: Onomatopoeia or Not Onomatopoeia.

Groups:

(a) Onomatopoeia

,

(b) Not Onomatopoeia

• walk

• quiet

• thump

• crunch

• hiss

• think

Answer explanation

'Hiss,' 'crunch,' and 'thump' are examples of onomatopoeia because they are words that imitate the sounds they describe. 'Quiet,' 'walk,' and 'think' are not onomatopoeia; they describe a state of silence, a physical action, and a mental process, respectively, but their pronunciation does not mimic a sound.

Which onomatopoeic word best completes the sentence to describe a leaky faucet? 'All night, I was kept awake by the constant _____ of the faucet.'

• drip

• flow

• rush

• pour

Answer explanation

'Drip' is the onomatopoeic word that specifically mimics the sound of single drops of water falling, which is characteristic of a leaky faucet. The other words suggest a larger, continuous flow of water.

Match each animal to the onomatopoeic sound it typically makes.

• Purr

• A distant owl

• Hoot

• A happy cat

• Hiss

• A snake in the grass

• Oink

• A hungry pig

Answer explanation

Each word is the sound commonly associated with the animal described. 'Hiss' is a snake's sound, 'purr' is a cat's, 'hoot' is an owl's, and 'oink' is a pig's.

In the sentence, 'The fire crackled and popped,' what is the main effect of using the words 'crackled' and 'popped'?

• To show the fire is dangerous.

• To make the scene more vivid by appealing to the sense of hearing.

• To suggest that someone is cooking food.

• To compare the fire to something else.

Answer explanation

Onomatopoeia like 'crackled' and 'popped' helps the reader imagine the sounds of the fire, making the description more immersive and appealing to the senses.

Which sentence contains an example of onomatopoeia?

• The old wooden door was very heavy.

• The wind blew fiercely through the trees.

• I heard the door creak open slowly.

• The room was completely dark and silent.

Answer explanation

The word 'creak' imitates the sound of a door opening, making it an example of onomatopoeia. The other sentences describe scenes without using sound words.

Sort these onomatopoeic words based on the type of sound they suggest: Quick/Sharp Sounds or Long/Continuous Sounds.

Groups:

(a) Quick/Sharp Sounds

,

(b) Long/Continuous Sounds

• snap

• click

• pop

• whir

• murmur

• buzz

Answer explanation

'Snap,' 'click,' and 'pop' describe brief, abrupt noises. 'Buzz,' 'murmur,' and 'whir' describe sounds that are sustained over a period of time.

Which of the following is an example of onomatopoeia, NOT a simile?

• The thunder was like a drum roll.

• The thunder boomed across the valley.

• The thunder was a powerful giant's voice.

• The thunder felt angry.

Answer explanation

'Boomed' is an onomatopoeia because it mimics the sound of thunder. 'The thunder was like a drum roll' is a simile because it uses 'like' to make a comparison.

Match the onomatopoeic word to the sentence where it fits best.

• sizzle

• The tiny bell on the cat's collar would _____ with every step.

• fizz

• The soda can opened with a satisfying _____.

• jingle

• The bacon began to _____ in the hot pan.

Answer explanation

Each word imitates the sound described in the sentence: 'fizz' for a carbonated drink, 'sizzle' for frying, and 'jingle' for a small bell.

Which word is an example of onomatopoeia?

• whisper

• speak

• tell

• announce

Answer explanation

'Whisper' is a word that imitates the soft, breathy sound of speaking quietly. The other words describe the act of communicating but do not mimic a sound.