Free Printable CP Allusions Quiz

1.

Match the following

a)

Things these days just keep getting curiouser and curiouser

1.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

b)

I can’t make it just appear out of nowhere! I’m just a muggle.

2.

Harry Potter

c)

He can make money on anything; he’s got the midas touch

3.

Greek Mythology

d)

Dallas may have found Utah’s kryptonite.

4.

Superman

e)

I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

5.

The Wizard of Oz

2.

He has bigger fish to fry

a)

He has more important things to do

b)

He has to cook dinner for tonight.

c)

He hasn't caught any big ideas lately

d)

He is a fantastic cook

3.

He is incredibly bull- headed

a)

He has a big head

b)

He is conceited.

c)

He is stubborn

d)

He is a really great farmer

4.

She has a big head

a)

She is really smart.

b)

She is conceited.

c)

She has a large cranium

d)

She is well loved

5.

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

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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

9.

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

10.

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

11.

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

12.

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

13.

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

14.

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

15.

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

16.

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

17.

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

18.

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

19.

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

20.

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

21.

Which of the following is not an example of an allusion?

a)

his wife was his Achille's heel

b)

he lies so much, I'm surprised his nose doesn't grow like Pinnochio's

c)

she transformed her backyard to look like the Garden of Eden.

d)

we'll miss him so much because he was the best dog ever.

22.

What type of allusion is this?

a)

Mythological

b)

Biblical

c)

Literary

d)

Historical

23.

From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet which of these lines contains an allusion?

a)

And therefore have I little talked of love

b)

Immoderately she weeps for Tybalt's death

c)

For Venus smiles not in a house of tears

d)

All of the above

24.

Allusion or Not an Allusion?

a)

Allusion

b)

Not an allusion

25.

Read the source of the allusion.

In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of love. He often shoots arrows at people to make them love each other.

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

I know I'm playing Cupid, but I think Bob and my cousin should spend more time together.

a)

trying to make people fall in love

b)

sharing or expressing an unpopular point of view

c)

saying kind and pleasant things about people

26.

My diet was going well until the new chocolate store went in down the street, chocolate is my Achilles’ heel.

a)

literature/mythology

b)

religious

c)

historical

27.

The real estate agent said his new farm listing was like the Garden of Eden.

a)

literature/mytology

b)

religious

c)

historical

28.

By allowing the baby not to finish eating before leaving the table, the mom opened Pandora’s box and soon was sitting alone at the table.

a)

literature/mythology

b)

religious

c)

historical

29.

Joe is such an Honest Abe, he never can keep our secrets.

a)

literature/mythology

b)

religious

c)

historical

30.

Which quiz format do you hate the least?

a)

Kahoot

b)

Google Classroom Quiz

c)

Quizizz

31.

“Sally’s smile looked like my mom’s smile.” Is this an allusion?

a)

Yes.

b)

No.

32.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST POPULARLY ALLUDED WORKS?

a)

The Bible, Shakespeare, and Medieval Mythology

b)

Shakespeare, Greek/Roman Mythology, and African Mythology.

c)

The Bible, Shakespeare, and Greek/Roman Mythology

d)

The Bible, Medieval Mythology, and Shakespeare

33.

What is the mythological allusion this logo references?

a)

This is Aphrodite’s (the goddess of beauty and love) symbol.

b)

This winged goddess of speed, strength, and victory drove Zeus’s chariot above battlefields giving glory to the victors.

c)

This Roman name for the goddess of beauty is perfect for representing a beauty product for women.

d)

Twin tailed sirens who were dangerous sea creatures known for their beauty and melodious music. They lured seamen and sailors into death.

34.

What mythological image is an allusion for this logo?

a)

This foolish King loved gold so much that the god Dionysus rewarded him with the ability to turn everything he touched to gold.

b)

This winged goddess of speed, strength, and victory drove Zeus’s chariot above battlefields giving glory to the victors.

c)

The winged shoe represents the Greek Hermes [Roman Mercury] who wore winged shoes that gave him speed to help him perform his duties.

d)

Hermes’s winged feet help him deliver messages.

35.

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

36.

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

37.

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 playoff in the semifinals proved to be the team's Waterloo.

a)

A final defeat

b)

A surprise win

c)

A final win

d)

All of the above

38.

The character Pollyanna, from Eleanor Porter's children's book, is a young girl who finds good in everything and everyone.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
"Tess is such a Pollyanna!" Liam announced with a sigh.

a)

An extremely annoyed person

b)

A childish, selfish person

c)

An overly optimistic person

d)

None of the above

39.

In Greek mythology, Achilles's mother dips him in a river that protects his body wherever it touches. His heel does not get wet, so it is the one part of his body left unprotected. During the Trojan War, an arrow hits Achilles in the heel and kills him.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
Red velvet cupcakes were Stacy's Achilles's heel when she was trying to eat more healthily.

a)

A source of strength

b)

A sole weakness

c)

A feeling of false strength

d)

All of the above

40.

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)

To come back after destruction or defeat

b)

To surprise an opponent

c)

To think optimistically

d)

None of the above

41.

George Orwell's 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 nuisance that distracts people from important tasks

b)

An important system that helps people stay safe

c)

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

d)

All of the above

42.

How would allusion be defined?

a)

a reference to a famous person, place, or event

b)

words that involve one of the five senses

c)

two lines working as a unit

d)

a form or wordplay with similar sounding sounds

43.

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 playoff in the semifinals proved to be the team's Waterloo.

a)

A final defeat

b)

A surprise win

c)

A final win

d)

All of the above

44.

The character Pollyanna, from Eleanor Porter's children's book, is a young girl who finds good in everything and everyone.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
"Tess is such a Pollyanna!" Liam announced with a sigh.

a)

An extremely annoyed person

b)

A childish, selfish person

c)

An overly optimistic person

d)

None of the above

45.

In Greek mythology, Achilles's mother dips him in a river that protects his body wherever it touches. His heel does not get wet, so it is the one part of his body left unprotected. During the Trojan War, an arrow hits Achilles in the heel and kills him.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
Red velvet cupcakes were Stacy's Achilles's heel when she was trying to eat more healthily.

a)

A source of strength

b)

A sole weakness

c)

A feeling of false strength

d)

All of the above

46.

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)

To come back after destruction or defeat

b)

To surprise an opponent

c)

To think optimistically

d)

None of the above

47.

George Orwell's 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 nuisance that distracts people from important tasks

b)

An important system that helps people stay safe

c)

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

d)

All of the above

48.

How would allusion be defined?

a)

a reference to a famous person, place, or event

b)

words that involve one of the five senses

c)

two lines working as a unit

d)

a form or wordplay with similar sounding sounds

49.

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 playoff in the semifinals proved to be the team's Waterloo.

a)

A final defeat

b)

A surprise win

c)

A final win

d)

All of the above

50.

The character Pollyanna, from Eleanor Porter's children's book, is a young girl who finds good in everything and everyone.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
"Tess is such a Pollyanna!" Liam announced with a sigh.

a)

An extremely annoyed person

b)

A childish, selfish person

c)

An overly optimistic person

d)

None of the above

51.

In Greek mythology, Achilles's mother dips him in a river that protects his body wherever it touches. His heel does not get wet, so it is the one part of his body left unprotected. During the Trojan War, an arrow hits Achilles in the heel and kills him.
What is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
Red velvet cupcakes were Stacy's Achilles's heel when she was trying to eat more healthily.

a)

A source of strength

b)

A sole weakness

c)

A feeling of false strength

d)

All of the above

52.

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)

To come back after destruction or defeat

b)

To surprise an opponent

c)

To think optimistically

d)

None of the above

53.

George Orwell's 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 nuisance that distracts people from important tasks

b)

An important system that helps people stay safe

c)

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

d)

All of the above

54.

How would allusion be defined?

a)

a reference to a famous person, place, or event

b)

words that involve one of the five senses

c)

two lines working as a unit

d)

a form or wordplay with similar sounding sounds

CP Allusions Quiz

Total questions: 54

Worksheet time: 2hrs 48mins

Similar Resources on Wayground