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Test your knowledge of literary terms by taking this quiz. Don't forget to share your results with others. You can keep your certificate if you'd like.
Questions and Answers
1.
"Buzzz" went the bee past Thomas's face.
This is an example of what literary device? Choose one.
A.
Metaphor
B.
Onomatopoeia
C.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
B. Onomatopoeia
Explanation An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents, such as "Buzzz."
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2.
"Darkness has a way of falling down on you around here," Thomas's father told him.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Personification
B.
Alliteration
C.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer
A. Personification
Explanation Personification gives the qualities of person to an inanimate object or natural force, such as the darkness of night. People can fall, but darkness doesn't really fall!
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3.
____________________ is when the author gives a hint about events to come later in the story.
Fill in the blank with the best answer.
Correct Answer Foreshadowing
Explanation Foreshadowing is a literary technique used by authors to hint or suggest future events in a story. It creates suspense and anticipation by giving readers clues about what may happen later on. By using foreshadowing, authors can build tension and prepare readers for upcoming plot twists or developments. This technique adds depth to the story and allows readers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level.
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4.
...with the night coming like liquid behind him.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Metaphor
B.
Alliteration
C.
Simile
Correct Answer
C. Simile
Explanation A simile compares two unlike things using "like" or "as." The night is being compared to liquid here.
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5.
He could hear the wind whistling by his ears.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Alliteration
B.
Hyperbole
C.
Personification
Correct Answer
C. Personification
Explanation The wind is being personified as being able to whistle, which is really something people do, not wind!
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6.
A man swung down from a mile-high spruce.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Personification
B.
Hyperbole
C.
Onomatopoeia
Correct Answer
B. Hyperbole
Explanation A hyperbole is an extravagant exaggeration; in this sentence, the spruce tree's height is being exaggerated by being described as a full mile high.
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7.
True or false: An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates or suggests the sound it represents. It is a figure of speech that uses words to create sound effects, often used in literature and everyday language. Examples of onomatopoeic words include "buzz," "splash," and "meow," which mimic the sounds of a bee, water, and a cat respectively. Therefore, the statement "An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents" is true.
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8.
Their wings were blue and silver sails.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Personification
B.
Metaphor
C.
Simile
Correct Answer
B. MetapHor
Explanation A metaphor compares 2 unlike things without using "like" or "as." This sentence is indirectly comparing the birds' wings to sailboat sails.
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9.
The hair hanging mosslike from its jowls bristled and tumbled gold and orange.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Imagery
B.
Foreshadowing
C.
Metaphor
Correct Answer
A. Imagery
Explanation Imagery is descriptive writing that helps you paint an image in your mind by appealing to your five senses. The sentence above uses specific colors and comparisons to help you imagine what Pluto's beard looks like.
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10.
"Ahhhh" something said behind him.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Imagery
B.
Onomatopoeia
C.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
B. Onomatopoeia
Explanation "Ahhhh" resprents the sound of a person or thing moaning at Thomas.
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11.
A metaphor _____________ two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
Correct Answer compares compare
Explanation A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by stating that one thing is another thing. It does not use the words "like" or "as" to make the comparison. Instead, it directly equates the two things, highlighting their similarities or shared characteristics.
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12.
I think of you a million times a day.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Personification
B.
Hyperbole
C.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
B. Hyperbole
Explanation This is an exaggeration, making it a hyperbole, because we probably can't think of someone a million times in one day!
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13.
"BOOM!" went the dynamite as it blew through the trees and mountainside.
This is an example of what literary device?
A.
Onomatopoeia
B.
Alliteration
C.
Simile
Correct Answer
A. Onomatopoeia
Explanation An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it represents, such as "BOOM!"
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14.
True or False: Alliteration is the repetition of words in a sentence.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation This is false because "alliteration" is a repetition of sounds in a group of words."
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