Fun Literary Devices Quiz For Students
Literary devices are the tools that skilled writers use to elevate their craft, transforming ordinary words into powerful instruments of expression. They are the subtle nuances and deliberate choices that breathe life into narratives, evoke emotions, and paint vivid imagery in the reader's mind.
This literary devices quiz delves into the heart of these literary techniques, challenging your understanding of how they function and their impact on language. It is not merely about recognizing a simile or identifying a metaphor; it's about comprehending the intricate ways these devices shape meaning, create layers of interpretation, and enhance the overall reading experience. Read more
Literary devices Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the term for a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as"?
- A.
Metaphor
- B.
Simile
- C.
Personification
- D.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer
B. SimileExplanation
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two distinct things using "like" or "as" to create a vivid image or enhance understanding. For example, "He's as strong as an ox" compares a person's strength to that of an ox. Similes are commonly used to make writing more descriptive and engaging.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which device gives human qualities to inanimate objects or animals?
- A.
Alliteration
- B.
Onomatopoeia
- C.
Personification
- D.
Oxymoron
Correct Answer
C. PersonificationExplanation
Personification is a literary device that attributes human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas. This technique adds depth and interest to writing by creating a sense of life and personality in non-human entities. For example, "The wind whispered through the trees" gives the wind a human action.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words?
- A.
Assonance
- B.
Alliteration
- C.
Hyperbole
- D.
Irony
Correct Answer
B. AlliterationExplanation
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words or stressed syllables in close proximity. This creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in language, making phrases more memorable and emphasizing certain words or ideas. Tongue twisters often utilize alliteration.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which device is an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect?
- A.
Metaphor
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Simile
- D.
Paradox
Correct Answer
B. HyperboleExplanation
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. It's not meant to be taken literally but serves to create a strong impression or evoke a particular emotion. For instance, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" is a hyperbolic expression of hunger.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is a word that imitates the sound it represents?
- A.
Onomatopoeia
- B.
Alliteration
- C.
Assonance
- D.
Oxymoron
Correct Answer
A. OnomatopoeiaExplanation
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds they represent. This device creates a more immersive and sensory experience for the reader by bringing sounds to life within the text. Examples include words like "buzz," "hiss," "crackle," and "boom."Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which device is a statement that appears contradictory but reveals a hidden truth?
- A.
Paradox
- B.
Oxymoron
- C.
Irony
- D.
Antithesis
Correct Answer
A. ParadoxExplanation
A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but expresses a possible truth. It challenges the reader to think critically and consider deeper meanings beyond the surface level. Paradoxes often highlight the complexities or contradictions inherent in life or ideas.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the term for a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as"?
- A.
Simile
- B.
Metaphor
- C.
Personification
- D.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer
B. MetapHorExplanation
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as." It creates a strong connection between the two things being compared, suggesting that one is the other or has the qualities of the other. Metaphors are powerful tools for creating imagery and conveying meaning.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which device uses contrasting ideas in parallel structure?
- A.
Irony
- B.
Antithesis
- C.
Paradox
- D.
Oxymoron
Correct Answer
B. AntithesisExplanation
Antithesis is a rhetorical device that uses contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses. This creates a parallel structure that highlights the opposition between the ideas, making the writing more impactful and memorable. Antithesis often creates a sense of tension or conflict.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the term for a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what is expected?
- A.
Oxymoron
- B.
Irony
- C.
Paradox
- D.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer
B. IronyExplanation
Irony is a literary device in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality. This can manifest in several forms, such as situational irony (when the opposite of what is expected happens), verbal irony (when someone says the opposite of what they mean), and dramatic irony (when the audience knows something the characters do not).Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which device combines two contradictory terms?
- A.
Paradox
- B.
Oxymoron
- C.
Antithesis
- D.
Irony
Correct Answer
B. OxymoronExplanation
An oxymoron combines two contradictory terms in a compressed paradox. This creates a surprising and thought-provoking effect, highlighting the complexity or inconsistency of the situation or idea being described. Oxymorons are often used to create a sense of irony or wit.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Oct 04, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 04, 2009Quiz Created by
Mrs. Kuzminski
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