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Literary Device Test 8th Grade

Total questions: 75

Worksheet time: 1hrs 1mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In Greek mythology, King Midas is granted his wish that everything he touches turn to gold.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

When it comes to starting new businesses, Elon Musk seems to have a Midas touch.

a)

fortunate

b)

unusual

c)

unfortunate

d)

usual

2.

In the story A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, a penny-pinching and bitter Ebenezer Scrooge values money more than people.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Our neighbor has a reputation for being a Scrooge, so we don't even stop at his door any more when we're fundraising.

a)

generous

b)

kind

c)

stingy

d)

jealous

3.

In one of Aesop's fables, four animals go hunting under the assumption that they will split their prize equally, but the lion, the most powerful animal, takes more than the other members of the group.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

My older brother takes the lion's share of the space in our bedroom.

a)

an equal amount

b)

a tiny bit

c)

an even split

d)

the largest portion

4.

George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984 focuses on a totalitarian society in which the citizens are frequently reminded that their leader, Big Brother, is always watching.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

The headline read: "Smart Phones Becoming Big Brother."

a)

a benevolent government that takes care of its people

b)

a democratic society with laws protecting privacy

c)

a ruler that allows freedom of speech

d)

a threatening power that monitors all aspects of people's lives

5.

In 1815, French emperor Napoleon suffered a devastating defeat in the Battle of Waterloo, which would prove to be his final battle before he abdicated the throne.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Last night's play-off in the semifinals proved to be the team's Waterloo.

a)

final defeat

b)

hard-played win

c)

tie

d)

no score

6.

The comic book superhero Spider-Man possesses a spidey sense that warns him of impending trouble.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Luther picked up his pace on the trail as his spidey sense began to tingle.

a)

sense of smell

b)

sense of danger

c)

sense of wonder

d)

sense of pride

7.

In a catalog that accompanied an exhibit of his work, pop artist Andy Warhol said, "In the future, everybody will be world-famous for fifteen minutes," meaning that fame would be briefly available even to those who did nothing spectacular.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Jennifer had her fifteen minutes of fame when her video of kayaking with dolphins went viral.

a)

lengthy experience being famous

b)

extraordinary effort

c)

temporary moment of celebrity status

d)

known by all forever

8.

Draco, a government official in seventh-century Athens, Greece, wrote a code of laws that called for severe punishments for even minor offenses.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Ben spoke at the city council meeting, claiming the new recycling regulations were draconian.

a)

envious

b)

interesting

c)

clever

d)

harsh

9.

Joseph Heller coined the term "catch-22" in his 1961 novel of the same name. In the novel, if an army pilot wants to avoid dangerous missions, he must be deemed mentally unfit; however, his desire to stay safe proves his sanity, so he can never be excused from a mission. Heller called this sort of predicament or dilemma a catch-22.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Anthony described the situation he was facing with his boss as a catch-22.

a)

win-win

b)

victory

c)

no-win

d)

defeat

10.

In a well-known folktale, Chicken Little is accidentally hit by something and jumps to the conclusion that the sky is falling and that she must spread the news of imminent disaster.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

The weather forecast called for clear skies, making my grandfather look like Chicken Little.

a)

a person who spreads alarming news of imminent danger

b)

a person who greets trouble with optimism

c)

a person who is slow to adapt

d)

a person who spreads rumors about others

11.

Don Quixote is the main character in Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's novel of the same name. Quixote cannot see the world as it truly is; in his overly romanticized view, inns are castles and windmills are giants.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

The mayoral candidate was widely viewed as quixotic, so it was no surprise that he lost by a substantial margin.

a)

intentionally misleading

b)

practical and realistic

c)

naively idealistic

d)

cruel and judgmental

12.

In a biblical parable, a Samaritan selflessly stops to help an enemy who has been beaten and stranded on the side of a road.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

A Good Samaritan jumped in when my grocery bag broke and the contents spilled all over the sidewalk.

a)

a person who enjoys interacting with others

b)

a person who plays tricks on others

c)

a person who takes advantage of others

d)

a person who goes out of the way to help another

13.

In his novel Lost Horizon, James Hilton describes the fictional paradise of Shangri-La, which is located in the mountains of Tibet.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

For me, Yosemite in the summer is Shangri-La.

a)

a place full of memories

b)

a dystopian setting

c)

an ideal place

d)

a challenging setting

14.

Soldiers from the city of Sparta in ancient Greece were known for their self-restraint, self-discipline, and indifference to luxury.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Maria was known among her coworkers for her spartan ways.

a)

quirky or unusual

b)

simple and austere

c)

aggressive and belligerent

d)

fancy and luxurious

15.

In the fable "The Fox and the Grapes," a fox tries unsuccessfully to reach a bunch of grapes. Because he cannot reach them and therefore cannot eat them, he tells himself that they must be sour.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Bryce's remark about your new car is clearly a case of sour grapes.

a)

eating something even if you don't like it

b)

criticizing something because you can't have it

c)

disliking something that you find unpleasant

d)

praising something that you admire

16.

In Greek mythology, a mythical bird called the phoenix lives for hundreds of years before bursting into flames at its death. However, it soon rises from its own ashes and is reborn.

What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?

Fans debated whether their team would rise from the ashes.

a)

surprise an opponent

b)

be consistently successful

c)

never win

d)

come back from defeat

17.

Hyperboles are phrases that

a)

compare two unlike things

b)

exaggerate

c)

give person-like qualities to animals and things

d)

have a different meaning than the words.

18.

I could sleep for an hour.

a)

Hyperbole

b)

Not a hyperbole

19.

I am so hungry, I could eat a horse.

a)

Hyperbole

b)

Not a Hyperbole

20.

I am so hungry I could eat a slice of pie.

a)

Hyperbole

b)

Not a Hyperbole

21.

The automobile is as fast as my pick-up truck.

a)

Hyperbole

b)

Not a hypebole

22.

After using Lina's hair shampoo, my hair is as long as the Nile River.

a)

Not a hyperbole

b)

Hyperbole

23.

Lisa's mouth is as big as Texas.

a)

Hyperbole

b)

Not a hyperbole

24.

My house was hot as 10,000 suns!

a)

Hyperbole

b)

Not a hyperbole

25.

I would swim a thousand seas to get to my son,

a)

Hypebole

b)

Not a hyperbole

26.

Which of these is a hyperbole?

a)

The boy was taller then me.

b)

He had a bite-sized candy bar.

c)

They lived in a small house.

d)

The boy was taller than Earth.

27.

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth means...

a)

He was born to a rich family

b)

He was born hungry

c)

He was born with teeth

28.
He is one tough cookie.
a)
He eats a lot of cookies
b)
He likes cookies
c)
He works hard
29.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
I have a problem.
a)
I'm getting a hatI
b)
I'm in a pickle
c)
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
30.
He likes to toot his own horn really means...
a)
He talks loudly.
b)
He plays in a band.
c)
He brags all the time.
31.
Carla put her foot in her mouth really means...
a)
Carla takes yoga classes.
b)
She said something embarrassing.
c)
Carla ate a snack.
32.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
I'm tired. Let's go to bed.
a)
Let's hit the hay.
b)
He tried not to "make waves".
c)
Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
33.
The boy "cried wolf" means...
a)
He asked for help when he didn't need it.
b)
He shouted very loudly.
c)
He complained all the time.
34.
She is walking on eggshells means...
a)
She is learning how to walk.
b)
She is in the chicken coop.
c)
She is trying not to upset anyone.
35.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
She memorized something.
a)
You're the apple of my eye.
b)
Knows it by heart
c)
She took me under her wing.
36.
Which idiom goes the best with this sentence?
That's a low price.
a)
That's dirt cheap.
b)
Don't let the bed bugs bite.
c)
Shake a leg.
37.

What is alliteration?

a)

words that rhyme

b)

giving inanimate objects human capabilities

c)

a repeated consonant sound occurring at the beginning of words

d)

an extreme exaggeration

38.
Which of these lines from Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” contains alliteration?
a)
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary
b)
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door
c)
Quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”
39.

Complete this sentence using alliteration.


Are you hungry? Let's find a cafe for ________, __________ and __________.

a)

egg, chips and cola

b)

coffee, cakes and tea

c)

coffee, cakes and cola

d)

fish, chips and coffee

40.

Complete this sentence using alliteration.


The art gallery displayed hundreds of ________ __________ and ___________.

a)

books, pots and pans

b)

pots, pans and cups

c)

precious pictures and paintings

d)

prints, cups and pans

41.
which is the best example of alliteration?
a)
Only three girls came to the picnic.
b)
She wants to see that movie.
c)
I like popcorn, peanuts, and Pepsi when I watch movies.
d)
The sun was in my eyes all day and I got a headache!
42.

Which is a the best example of Alliteration?

a)

If someone see a science movie it can help them remember the concepts.

b)

I love math but I don't like the homework.

c)

We need milk for our cereal and tea!

43.
What is an Example of Alliteration?
a)
She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
b)
She was giving him the cold shoulder
c)
He was fuming like a pot.
44.
Which of these is alliteration?
a)
All the animals left.
b)
The chirping cheetah is sad.
c)
The dog left his house.
d)
The friendly dog found a cat.
45.

Pick a sentence that contains an Alliteration?

a)

Kim's kid kept kicking at the air.

b)

Plastic bags rip easily.

c)

Kayla is my best friend.

d)

Mrs. Flay is a super teacher!

46.

Which of these is alliteration?

a)

All the animals left.

b)

The chirping cheetah is hungry.

c)

The dog left his house.

d)

The friendly dog found a cat.

47.
The moon winked at me through the clouds as if to say I should venture forward.'
What object is being personified in the sentence?
a)
Clouds
b)
Winked
c)
Say
d)
Moon
48.
"The lumberjack leveled many trees that day as his chainsaw sang its deadly song."
What is being personified?
a)
The lumberjack
b)
The trees
c)
The chainsaw
d)
The song
49.
"When Adele walked through the store, each shiny pair of high heels called out to her."
What is being personified?
a)
Adele
b)
The store
c)
High heels
d)
Her
50.
"The bright orange walls screamed at her as she walked into the room."
What is being personified?
a)
The walls
b)
The scream
c)
The room
d)
The orange
51.
'The run down house appeared depressed and out of sorts.'  What human quality/trait is being demonstrated in the sentence?
a)
House
b)
Depression
c)
Happiness
d)
Loneliness
52.
What's the meaning of this personification?
"The camera loves me!"
a)
Photography is one of my hobbies.
b)
I own an expensive camera.
c)
Photos of me are always really good. 
d)
I like to visit art museums.
53.
My tennis shoes stuck out their tongues at my stinky feet after running the mile.
a)
simile
b)
metaphor
c)
personification
d)
smelly
54.
What is the meaning of this personification?
"The stairs groaned as we walked on them."
a)
The stairs were slippery when they walked.
b)
The stairs cracked open when they walked.
c)
The stairs squeaked when they walked.
55.

The Beast looked like a bear and a lion at the same time.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

56.

Evie became a sister to Mal.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

57.

The train screamed down the tracks.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

58.

The train screamed down the tracks.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

59.

Hermione was like a walking dictionary.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

60.

Katniss's bravery lit the flame of revolution.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

61.

The horses grumbled to each other as they walked along.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

62.

Legolas's arrow shot from his bow like a flash of lightning.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

63.

Surrounded by walking skeletons, Elizabeth was trapped inside a nightmare.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

64.

The space ship drifted lazily toward the planet.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

65.

Rosalie was a runway model, walking across the cafeteria.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

66.

Belle's tears threatened to choke her, but she took a deep breath.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

67.

Carlos was the Einstein of his class.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

68.

Tris was scared and turned white as a sheet.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

69.

Fred and George believe that the rules are begging to be broken.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

70.

Rue lay as still and beautiful as a doll, surrounded by white flowers.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

71.

The enormous canopy of stars glittered overhead.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

72.

The whole forest waited, listening, to see what would happen next.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

73.

Elizabeth was as stubborn as a mule.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

74.

Luke's heart crumbled at her words.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification

75.

The storm chased them across the field.

a)

simile

b)

metaphor

c)

personification