Onomatopoeia

Which of the following best defines onomatopoeia?

• A word that imitates the sound it describes

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

• Giving human qualities to non-human objects

• An extreme exaggeration used for effect

Answer explanation

Onomatopoeia refers to words that are formed by imitating the sound they represent, like 'buzz' or 'meow'. The other options describe a simile, personification, and hyperbole.

Match each object or action to the onomatopoeia that describes its sound.

• Plink

• A fire in the fireplace

• Crackle

• A bee flying nearby

• Buzz

• A clock on the wall

• Tick-tock

• A leaky faucet

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to the object or action that produces that specific sound: a bee buzzes, a fire crackles, a faucet plinks, and a clock tick-tocks.

Sort these words into two groups: Onomatopoeia or Not Onomatopoeia.

Groups:

(a) Onomatopoeia

,

(b) Not Onomatopoeia

• book

• sizzle

• walk

• whisper

• crash

• splash

Answer explanation

The words in the 'Onomatopoeia' category imitate sounds. The words in the 'Not Onomatopoeia' category are an action and an object that do not imitate sounds.

In the sentence, 'The snake's hiss warned us to stay back,' what is the main effect of using the word 'hiss'?

• It describes the snake's color.

• It makes the scene more vivid by adding a sound.

• It tells us the time of day.

• It shows the snake is friendly.

Answer explanation

The word 'hiss' imitates the sound a snake makes, which helps the reader imagine the scene more clearly and adds a sense of danger, appealing to the sense of hearing.

Which onomatopoeia best describes the sound of a basketball going cleanly through the net?

• thump

• swish

• clang

• pop

Answer explanation

'Swish' perfectly imitates the sound of the net as a basketball passes through it. 'Clang' would be the sound of hitting the rim, while 'thump' and 'pop' are less specific to this action.

Sort these phrases by the type of figurative language they use: Onomatopoeia or Simile.

Groups:

(a) Onomatopoeia

,

(b) Simile

• The engine roared to life.

• Her smile was like sunshine.

• The door creaked open.

• He was as quiet as a mouse.

Answer explanation

'Roared' and 'creaked' are sound words (onomatopoeia). The other two phrases use 'as' and 'like' to make comparisons, which are similes.

The fireworks display ended with a final, loud ____ that shook the ground. Which onomatopoeic word best completes the sentence?

• show

• boom

• light

• shake

Answer explanation

The word 'boom' imitates a loud, deep, resonant sound, like a firework exploding. The other words are related to the context but do not imitate sounds.

A writer wants to describe a quiet, gentle stream. Which onomatopoeia would best create that peaceful feeling?

• gurgle

• roar

• splash

• crash

Answer explanation

'Gurgle' suggests a soft, low, bubbling sound, which fits the description of a peaceful stream. 'Roar', 'splash', and 'crash' all suggest much louder and more forceful sounds.

Sort these onomatopoeic words into two groups: Loud Sounds or Quiet Sounds.

Groups:

(a) Loud Sounds

,

(b) Quiet Sounds

• rustle

• whisper

• bang

• murmur

• boom

• screech

Answer explanation

This question tests the understanding of the effect of onomatopoeia. 'Boom', 'bang', and 'screech' represent loud noises, while 'whisper', 'rustle', and 'murmur' represent quiet sounds.

The main purpose of onomatopoeia in writing is to appeal to the reader's sense of...

• sight

• hearing

• touch

• taste

Answer explanation

Because onomatopoeia consists of words that imitate sounds, its primary function is to engage the reader's sense of hearing, making the writing more immersive and descriptive.