Recognizing Allusions in Sentences

  • 7th Grade,
  • 8th Grade
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| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 5, 2026
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1. Which of these is an allusion?

Explanation

Refers to the perfect paradise in the Bible.

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About This Quiz
Recognizing Allusions In Sentences - Quiz

Identifying allusions often requires careful reading and background awareness. In this recognizing allusions quiz, you’ll examine sentences that include subtle references to well-known texts, figures, or events. You’ll practice spotting clues that signal an allusion, distinguishing direct references from implied ones, and confirming meaning through context. Each question strengthens you... see moreability to recognize allusions accurately in everyday and literary language.
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2. “He met his Waterloo” means:

Explanation

“Met his Waterloo” refers to a famous historical defeat. It means he faced his biggest or final defeat, not that he traveled or studied history.

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3. “She was as wise as Athena” is an allusion to:

Explanation

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, so the sentence means she was very wise.

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4. Allusions can be found in songs, movies, and poems.

Explanation

This is true because allusions appear in many forms of media, including songs, movies, poems, and books—not just old stories.

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5. Which line alludes to history?

Explanation

Refers to the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

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6. “Don’t fly too close to the sun,” said his coach. This alludes to:

Explanation

The phrase refers to the myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and failed. It warns someone not to take dangerous risks.

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7. “He’s like a modern-day Picasso.” means:

Explanation

Calling someone a “modern-day Picasso” means they are very talented at art, like the famous painter.

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8. Which sentence uses a Biblical allusion?

Explanation

“He was her rock” is a Biblical allusion that suggests strength, support, and dependability during difficult times.

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9. “She felt like Dorothy in Oz.” What does this allusion suggest?

Explanation

Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz is far from home and feels lost. This allusion suggests feeling confused or out of place.

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10. “He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.” refers to:

Explanation

The sentence refers to Atlas, a mythological figure who carried the heavens, symbolizing a heavy burden or great responsibility.

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11. “She looked like Venus at the dance.” means:

Explanation

Venus is the goddess of love and beauty, so the sentence means she looked very beautiful.

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12. Which sentence includes a literary allusion?

Explanation

Sherlock Holmes is a character from literature, so the sentence uses a literary allusion to suggest careful thinking or problem-solving.

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13. Allusions help readers:

Explanation

Allusions help readers make connections quickly and understand meaning by referring to familiar stories, people, or ideas.

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14. “He was her rock” alludes to ________.

Explanation

Calling someone “her rock” means that person represents strength or stability, someone dependable she can rely on.

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15. Match the allusion to its source:

Explanation

Hercules comes from Greek mythology, where he is known for great strength. Scrooge comes from literature, specifically a famous story about greed. Einstein comes from history/science, where he is known for intelligence.

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Which of these is an allusion?
“He met his Waterloo” means:
“She was as wise as Athena” is an allusion to:
Allusions can be found in songs, movies, and poems.
Which line alludes to history?
“Don’t fly too close to the sun,” said his coach. This alludes...
“He’s like a modern-day Picasso.” means:
Which sentence uses a Biblical allusion?
“She felt like Dorothy in Oz.” What does this allusion suggest?
“He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.” refers to:
“She looked like Venus at the dance.” means:
Which sentence includes a literary allusion?
Allusions help readers:
“He was her rock” alludes to ________.
Match the allusion to its source:
Alert!