Hyperbole vs Literal Quiz

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1. What is literal language?

Language that exaggerates

Language that tells facts exactly

Language that rhymes

Language that compares two things

Literal language describes what’s real, not exaggerated.

Explanation

Literal language describes what’s real, not exaggerated.

About This Quiz

Is it exaggerated or meant to be taken seriously? In this hyperbole vs literal quiz, you’ll compare figurative exaggeration with literal statements to understand how meaning changes. You’ll practice identifying intent, tone, and context, building confidence in recognizing when language is symbolic and when it is factual. Each question strengthens... see moreyour interpretation skills.
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2. Which sentence is hyperbole?

The test had ten questions.

That test was the hardest thing in the universe!

I answered every question.

I wrote my name on the paper.

It exaggerates how hard the test felt.

Explanation

It exaggerates how hard the test felt.

3. Hyperbole is used to make writing more emotional.

True

False

(No explanation provided in source data)

Explanation

(No explanation provided in source data)

4. “My shoes are on fire from running so fast!” shows—

Exaggeration about running speed

A real fire

A science experiment

A warning about danger

It’s an exaggeration, not a literal fire.

Explanation

It’s an exaggeration, not a literal fire.

Submit

6. Match each example with its type: A. “I can’t move a muscle.” B. “I slept eight hours.” C. “This bag weighs a ton.”

“I can’t move a muscle.”

“I slept eight hours.”

“This bag weighs a ton.”

Some sentences are exaggerated, while others are meant literally. A is hyperbole because the speaker can still move; the phrase exaggerates how tired or still they feel. B is literal because it states a normal, realistic amount of sleep. C is hyperbole because the bag does not actually weigh a ton; the exaggeration shows that it feels very heavy.

Explanation

Submit

7. Which of these is literal?

I ran faster than lightning.

I’m as tall as a tree.

I finished my homework after dinner.

I could sleep for a week.

It’s a real event, not an exaggeration.

Explanation

It’s a real event, not an exaggeration.

8. Hyperbole makes writing exciting; literal language gives facts.

True

False

This statement is true because hyperbole uses exaggeration to add excitement and emotion, while literal language is used to share facts and exact information.

Explanation

This statement is true because hyperbole uses exaggeration to add excitement and emotion, while literal language is used to share facts and exact information.

9. “My backpack weighs a thousand pounds!” means—

It’s very heavy.

It’s a real weight measurement.

The backpack is light.

It has nothing inside.

It exaggerates the heaviness.

Explanation

It exaggerates the heaviness.

Submit

11. “I laughed so hard I almost exploded!” shows—

Extreme laughter

Real danger

A quiet laugh

A medical problem

The speaker exaggerates for humor.

Explanation

The speaker exaggerates for humor.

12. Literal statements use exaggeration for emphasis.

True

False

That describes hyperbole, not literal language.

Explanation

That describes hyperbole, not literal language.

13. Which line is NOT hyperbole?

I’m older than the mountains.

I’m so cold I’m turning into ice.

My feet hurt after running five miles.

My brain is melting from math.

That’s a realistic statement.

Explanation

That’s a realistic statement.

14. “That movie lasted forever” means—

It felt very long.

It never ended.

It was short.

It was about time travel.

“Forever” exaggerates the length.

Explanation

“Forever” exaggerates the length.

15. Which sentence uses literal language?

I’m starving to death.

I could eat a horse.

I’m full after lunch.

I’ve told you a hundred times.

It’s realistic, not exaggerated.

Explanation

It’s realistic, not exaggerated.

Thank you for your feedback!

Anneda Nettleton |Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |

K–12 Expert

Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.