12th Grade Literary Devices Quiz! Trivia Questions
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If you’ve ever read a book, you may not have noticed it but you were subjected to multiple literary devices used by the author in order to add texture, energy, and excitement to the reading experience so that their story is imaginative and gripping. Below is a 12th grade literary devices quiz with trivia questions designed to test how well you understand the different devices in use. Give it a try!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
"Polly Pocket picked a purple plant" is an example of:
- A.
Alliteration
- B.
Contrast
- C.
Simile
- D.
Personification
Correct Answer
A. AlliterationExplanation
The phrase "Polly Pocket picked a purple plant" is an example of alliteration because it contains multiple words that start with the same sound, specifically the /p/ sound. Alliteration is a literary device that adds emphasis and rhythm to a sentence by repeating the initial consonant sound.Rate this question:
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- 2.
An extreme exaggeration is called a
- A.
Allusion
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Simile
- D.
Oxymoron
Correct Answer
B. HyperboleExplanation
A hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves extreme exaggeration to make a point or create emphasis. It is used to make a statement more dramatic or impactful by stretching the truth beyond what is reasonable or realistic. In this case, the correct answer is hyperbole because it accurately describes the concept of an extreme exaggeration.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which is NOT a form of conflict?
- A.
Man vs. man
- B.
Man vs. himself
- C.
Man vs. the supernatural
- D.
All of the above are examples of conflict
Correct Answer
D. All of the above are examples of conflictExplanation
The correct answer is all of the above are examples of conflict. This is because all three options mentioned - man vs. man, man vs. himself, and man vs. the supernatural - represent different forms of conflict. Man vs. man refers to conflicts between individuals, man vs. himself refers to internal conflicts within a person, and man vs. the supernatural refers to conflicts with supernatural or paranormal entities. Therefore, all of these options are valid examples of conflict.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A well-painted mental image is called:
- A.
Metaphor
- B.
Oxymoron
- C.
Hyperbole
- D.
Imagery
Correct Answer
D. ImageryExplanation
Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures or sensory experiences in the reader's mind. It involves the use of sensory details such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell to make the writing more engaging and immersive. Therefore, a well-painted mental image can be described as imagery.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The contrast between what is said and what is meant is called..
- A.
Situational irony
- B.
Dramatic irony
- C.
Verbal irony
Correct Answer
C. Verbal ironyExplanation
Verbal irony refers to a situation in which someone says something but means the opposite, often for humorous or sarcastic effect. This can create a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant. Situational irony, on the other hand, occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. Dramatic irony involves a situation in which the audience knows something that the characters do not. Therefore, the correct answer for the given question is verbal irony.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A contrast between what the character thinks to be ture and wha we (the reader) know to be true...
- A.
Dramatic irony
- B.
Situational irony
- C.
Verbal irony
Correct Answer
A. Dramatic ironyExplanation
Dramatic irony refers to a situation in which the audience or reader knows something that the character does not. In this case, there is a contrast between what the character believes to be true and what we, as the reader, know to be true. This creates a sense of dramatic irony as we are aware of information that the character is unaware of, leading to potential tension or humor in the story.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The contrast between what happens and what was expected.
- A.
Situational irony
- B.
Dramatic irony
- C.
Verbal irony
Correct Answer
A. Situational ironyExplanation
Situational irony refers to a situation where there is a contrast between what actually happens and what was expected to happen. This can create a sense of surprise or humor for the audience or readers. In this context, the correct answer suggests that the given situation involves an unexpected outcome or twist, which aligns with the concept of situational irony.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A comparison between two objects without using "like" or "as"...
- A.
Simile
- B.
Metaphor
- C.
Oxymoron
- D.
Personification
Correct Answer
B. MetaphorExplanation
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated objects or ideas, without using "like" or "as". It creates a vivid image by describing one thing in terms of another. Unlike a simile, which uses "like" or "as" to make a comparison, a metaphor implies a direct similarity between the two objects. An example of a metaphor is "Her heart is a stone", where the speaker is comparing the hardness and coldness of a stone to the person's emotional state.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The feeling the reader takes away with him or her after reading...
- A.
Onomatopoeia
- B.
Tone
- C.
Theme
- D.
Mood
Correct Answer
D. MoodExplanation
Mood refers to the overall emotional atmosphere or feeling that the reader experiences while reading a piece of literature. It is the emotional response that the author evokes in the reader through the use of various literary devices, such as imagery, diction, and setting. The mood can be described as happy, sad, mysterious, or suspenseful, among others. Unlike tone, which is the author's attitude towards the subject, mood is the emotional response that the reader takes away from the text.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is a simile?
- A.
"She is an angel."
- B.
"jumbo shrimp"
- C.
"She is like an angel."
- D.
"The wind whistled through the trees."
Correct Answer
C. "She is like an angel."Explanation
The correct answer is "She is like an angel." This is a simile because it uses the word "like" to compare the person to an angel, indicating that there is a similarity between the two. Similes are figures of speech that make comparisons using "like" or "as."Rate this question:
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- 11.
The moral or message of the story is called the ...
- A.
Theme
- B.
Tone
- C.
Voice
- D.
Mood
Correct Answer
A. ThemeExplanation
The moral or message of a story is called the theme. The theme represents the central idea or underlying message that the author wants to convey to the readers. It is the lesson or insight that can be learned from the story and is often expressed through recurring motifs, symbols, or character development. The theme helps to give the story a deeper meaning and can resonate with readers on a personal level.Rate this question:
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- 12.
"Buzz" and "BAM!" are examples of
- A.
Allusions
- B.
Allegories
- C.
Onomatopoeia
- D.
Similes
Correct Answer
C. OnomatopoeiaExplanation
The words "Buzz" and "BAM!" are examples of onomatopoeia because they imitate the sounds they represent. Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech where words are used to imitate or mimic sounds. In this case, "Buzz" imitates the sound of a buzzing insect and "BAM!" imitates the sound of a sudden impact or explosion.Rate this question:
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- 13.
"Military intelligence" and "jumbo shrimp" are examples of:
- A.
Similes
- B.
Onomatopoiea
- C.
Personification
- D.
Oxymoron
Correct Answer
D. OxymoronExplanation
The given correct answer is "oxymoron". An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms together, creating a seemingly self-contradictory phrase. In this case, "military intelligence" and "jumbo shrimp" are both examples of oxymorons because they combine words that are typically seen as contradictory. "Military" implies strategic thinking and knowledge, while "intelligence" refers to the ability to gather information and make decisions. Similarly, "jumbo" suggests something large, while "shrimp" is a small-sized creature. Therefore, both phrases create an oxymoronic effect by combining contradictory ideas.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The giving of human-like traits to inanimate objects is...
- A.
Personification
- B.
Irony
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Metonymy
Correct Answer
A. PersonificationExplanation
Personification is the attribution of human characteristics or qualities to inanimate objects. It is the act of giving human-like traits, such as emotions or actions, to non-human entities. This literary device is often used to make descriptions more vivid and engaging, as it allows the reader to relate to or understand the object in a more familiar way. Therefore, personification is the correct answer for the given question.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The use of "I", "me", "mine" in a point of view is...
- A.
First person
- B.
Second person
- C.
Third person
- D.
Omnicient
Correct Answer
A. First personExplanation
The use of "I", "me", "mine" in a point of view indicates that the speaker is referring to themselves. This perspective is known as the first person point of view. In this narrative mode, the speaker is directly involved in the events and is sharing their personal experiences or thoughts. It provides a subjective and intimate perspective to the story.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The point of view where the narrator tells the sotry to another character using "you," so that the story is being told through the addressee's point of view?
- A.
First person
- B.
Second person
- C.
Third person
- D.
Omniscient
Correct Answer
B. Second personExplanation
The correct answer is second person. Second person point of view is when the narrator tells the story directly to another character using "you." This perspective allows the reader to experience the events as if they are the addressee, creating a sense of immediacy and involvement. It is less common than first or third person point of view, but can be effective in certain types of storytelling.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The point of view where the reader only knows the actions and saying of the characters is called...
- A.
First person
- B.
Second person
- C.
Third person
- D.
Omniscient
Correct Answer
C. Third personExplanation
In third person point of view, the narrator is not a character in the story and refers to the characters by their names or pronouns like "he" or "she." The reader only knows the actions and dialogue of the characters, without any insight into their thoughts or feelings. This perspective allows for a more objective and detached storytelling experience, as the reader observes the events from an external viewpoint.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The reader knows what the characters are thinking, saying and doing. ("God-like")
- A.
First person
- B.
Second person
- C.
Third person
- D.
Omniscient
Correct Answer
D. OmniscientExplanation
The correct answer is omniscient because in an omniscient point of view, the reader has access to the thoughts, actions, and dialogue of all characters. This allows the reader to have a complete understanding of the story from multiple perspectives, similar to a god-like viewpoint.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The author's feelings towards the subject or topic is called the...
- A.
Tone
- B.
Mood
- C.
Theme
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. ToneExplanation
The author's feelings towards the subject or topic is called the tone. The tone refers to the attitude or emotion that the author conveys through their writing. It can be identified through the choice of words, the use of figurative language, and the overall style of writing. The tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, or any other emotion that the author wants to express. It helps to establish the overall atmosphere or mood of the text and influences how the reader perceives the message.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Links the objects, characters, adn events of a story with meanings beyond the literal meaning of the story.
- A.
Cliche
- B.
Personifications
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Allegory
Correct Answer
D. AllegoryExplanation
Allegory is the correct answer because it refers to a literary device that links the objects, characters, and events of a story with meanings beyond their literal interpretation. It involves using symbolic representation to convey a deeper message or moral lesson. Unlike cliché, which refers to an overused phrase or idea, personification, which attributes human qualities to non-human entities, or metaphor, which makes a comparison between two unrelated things, allegory is specifically concerned with conveying a hidden or symbolic meaning within a story.Rate this question:
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- 21.
An overused phrase, such as "busy as a beaver" is called...
- A.
Euphemism
- B.
Idiom
- C.
Juxtaposition
- D.
Cliche
Correct Answer
D. ClicheExplanation
A cliche is an overused phrase or expression that has lost its originality or impact. It is a phrase that has become so common and predictable that it no longer holds much meaning or interest. "Busy as a beaver" is an example of a cliche because it is a well-known and frequently used phrase to describe someone who is very busy.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A secondary or more emotional meaning for a word.
- A.
Connotative
- B.
Denotaive
- C.
Dialogue
- D.
Generalization
Correct Answer
A. ConnotativeExplanation
The word "connotative" refers to a secondary or more emotional meaning for a word. It implies that a word carries not only its literal or denotative meaning but also additional associations or emotions that are associated with it. This is different from "denotative," which refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word. "Dialogue" refers to a conversation between two or more people, and "generalization" refers to a broad statement or conclusion that is based on limited information or experience.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A factual, primary or less emotional description or word.
- A.
Simile
- B.
Metapor
- C.
Denotative
- D.
Personification
Correct Answer
C. DenotativeExplanation
The correct answer is denotative. Denotative refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, without any added connotations or emotional associations. It focuses on providing a factual and objective description or word, rather than using figurative language or symbolism. This option stands out from the others, which all involve the use of figurative language to convey meaning or create imagery.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A mild or vague expression used instead of saying something harsher.
- A.
Idiom
- B.
Euphemism
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Cliche
Correct Answer
B. EuphemismExplanation
A euphemism is a mild or vague expression used instead of saying something harsher. It is a way of substituting a more pleasant or less offensive term for a more direct or blunt one. This can be done to soften the impact of the words or to avoid causing discomfort or offense to others. Euphemisms are commonly used in various contexts, such as discussing sensitive topics or addressing taboo subjects.Rate this question:
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- 25.
An expression that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of its words.
- A.
Denotative
- B.
Juxtapositon
- C.
Irony
- D.
Idiom
Correct Answer
D. IdiomExplanation
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of its words. It is a phrase or a group of words that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. Idioms are often specific to a particular language or culture and can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand. They are used to add color and depth to language and are commonly used in everyday conversations.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Juxtaposition means...
- A.
The arrangement of two or more ideas that are used to be compared or contrasted.
- B.
An expression that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of the words
- C.
A comparision
- D.
A more emotional meaning
Correct Answer
A. The arrangement of two or more ideas that are used to be compared or contrasted.Explanation
Juxtaposition refers to the arrangement of two or more ideas that are used to be compared or contrasted. It involves placing contrasting or opposing elements side by side to highlight their differences or similarities. This technique is commonly used in literature, art, and design to create emphasis and enhance the impact of the ideas being presented. By juxtaposing different ideas, the author or artist aims to evoke a deeper understanding or emotional response from the audience.Rate this question:
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- 27.
The use of realated words in place of what is really being talked about.
- A.
Metaphor
- B.
Irony
- C.
Metonymy
- D.
Simile
Correct Answer
C. MetonymyExplanation
Metonymy is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is substituted with another word or phrase that is closely related or associated with it. In this case, the use of related words in place of what is really being talked about indicates the use of metonymy. It involves using a word or phrase that is associated with the intended meaning to convey the message indirectly. Unlike a metaphor, which implies a direct comparison, metonymy relies on the substitution of related terms to create a specific effect or emphasis.Rate this question:
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Feb 20, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Oct 28, 2009Quiz Created by
Lisa Carlson
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