Figures Of Speech Quiz

Reviewed by Heather Baxter
Heather Baxter, BSc (Elementary Education and Teaching) |
K-12 English Expert
Review Board Member
Heather is an educator, with four years of teaching experience. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching. She is skilled in Teaching English as a Second Language and currently works as an Elementary School Teacher at Pinellas County Schools. She made a career transition one year ago to explore a new path in writing and copy editing. Heather's specialization lies in curriculum development and educational materials, but she maintains versatility to work across various industries. Known for her keen attention to detail and a deep passion for language, she possesses a sharp eye for precision.
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  • 1/10 Questions

    What term describes giving human characteristics to something non-human?

    • Allegory
    • Oxymoron
    • Metaphor
    • Personification
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About This Quiz

Imagine you're reading your favorite book, and suddenly the words leap off the page, painting vivid images and stirring deep emotions. In this Figures of Speech Quiz, we will explore how writers harness tools like metaphors, similes, and personifications to enrich their narratives and connect deeply with their audience. For centuries, these literary devices have added texture and depth to communication, turning straightforward prose into rich, evocative language.

In this quiz, you'll have the opportunity to both learn and reinforce your understanding of figures of speech. We'll delve into the five primary figures of speech, their purpose, and how to recognize them in context. Whether you're brushing up on your knowledge or delving into this topic for the first time, this quiz offers an engaging and educational experience. Challenge yourself and put your grasp of these literary tools to the test.

Figures Of Speech Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which term describes the use of words that mimic the sound they describe?

    • Metaphor

    • Onomatopoeia

    • Hyperbole

    • Simile

    Correct Answer
    A. Onomatopoeia
    Explanation
    Onomatopoeia utilizes words that mimic the sounds they describe, such as "buzz," "whisper," or "clang." This sound imitation enriches the text by allowing readers to experience the action audibly and visually, enhancing the sensory details of the narrative and making the scene more vivid and engaging.

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  • 3. 

    Which figure of speech exaggerates statements for effect?

    • Metaphor

    • Simile

    • Personification

    • Hyperbole

    Correct Answer
    A. Hyperbole
    Explanation
    Hyperbole involves deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or comedic effect, rather than to deceive. It is used to create a strong impression, increase the intensity of expressions, or add dramatic effect. For example, "I've told you a million times" does not mean the speaker literally repeated themselves a million times, but it emphasizes the frequency to express frustration or urgency. This rhetorical technique is effective in highlighting feelings or experiences by magnifying them, making it easier for the audience to recognize and sympathize with the underlying emotions.

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  • 4. 

    Which term describes the use of mild or indirect word instead of a direct or harsh one?

    • Euphemism

    • Hyperbole

    • Metaphor

    • Onomatopoeia

    Correct Answer
    A. Euphemism
    Explanation
    Euphemism involves replacing an offensive or impolite expression with a more palatable one. It's used to mitigate the harsh realities of life or to discuss sensitive topics in a more acceptable manner. For instance, saying "passed away" instead of "died" softens the impact of death, making the topic easier to discuss while being considerate of emotional responses, thus facilitating communication in difficult situations.

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  • 5. 

    What figure of speech places two contradictory words together for effect?

    • Oxymoron

    • Metaphor

    • Simile

    • Euphemism

    Correct Answer
    A. Oxymoron
    Explanation
    Oxymoron places two contradictory terms together, such as "deafening silence," to create a paradoxical effect that draws attention to the nuances of the words. This contradiction can provoke thought, add complexity, or illustrate a state of conflict within a subject, revealing deeper layers of meaning or emphasizing the unconventional nature of the description.

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  • 6. 

    What figure of speech involves comparing two unlike things without using "like" or "as"?

    • Simile

    • Metaphor

    • Oxymoron

    • Hyperbole

    Correct Answer
    A. Metaphor
    Explanation
    A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated subjects without using "like" or "as," implying that one thing is another to illustrate a point or clarify an idea. For instance, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time, like a thief, can take away life's moments, enriching the text by layering additional meaning onto ordinary concepts. This method enhances imagery and emotional depth, allowing readers to explore complex feelings and ideas through familiar terms, thus deepening their engagement with the text.

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  • 7. 

    Which figure of speech contrasts two opposing ideas in the same sentence?

    • Paradox

    • Antithesis

    • Euphemism

    • Anaphora

    Correct Answer
    A. Antithesis
    Explanation
    Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposite ideas, often within a parallel structure, to create a stark contrast. This enhances the clarity of the contrast and emphasizes the difference, making each element more striking and memorable. For example, in the statement "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," the contrasting conditions of 'best' and 'worst' draw attention to the extremes of human experience during the era discussed.

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  • 8. 

    What is it called when a part is used to represent the whole?

    • Synecdoche

    • Metonymy

    • Irony

    • Alliteration

    Correct Answer
    A. Synecdoche
    Explanation
    Synecdoche is a rhetorical device where a part of something is used to refer to the whole, or vice-versa. This technique can focus attention on a specific attribute of a subject to evoke a particular response or to emphasize certain aspects over others. For example, saying "all hands on deck" uses "hands" to represent people, highlighting their collective effort without detailing each person, thereby promoting unity and action.

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  • 9. 

    What is the name for the deliberate use of a series of conjunctions?

    • Polysyndeton

    • Alliteration

    • Assonance

    • Anaphora

    Correct Answer
    A. Polysyndeton
    Explanation
    Polysyndeton is the deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between clauses where they are not necessarily needed. This can enhance the rhythm of the text, create a feeling of accumulation or build-up, and emphasize the interconnectedness or complexity of the elements discussed. It adds a dramatic effect and can make the sequence more impactful or memorable.

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  • 10. 

    What figure of speech repeats the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses?

    • Alliteration

    • Assonance

    • Anaphora

    • Apostrophe

    Correct Answer
    A. Anaphora
    Explanation
    Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This technique builds rhythm and emphasizes the repeated phrase, enhancing the persuasive or emotional power of the speech. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s repeated use of "I have a dream" in his famous speech intensifies his vision for equality and freedom, rallying the audience with its rhythmic and emphatic structure.

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Heather Baxter |BSc (Elementary Education and Teaching) |
K-12 English Expert
Heather is an educator, with four years of teaching experience. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Teaching. She is skilled in Teaching English as a Second Language and currently works as an Elementary School Teacher at Pinellas County Schools. She made a career transition one year ago to explore a new path in writing and copy editing. Heather's specialization lies in curriculum development and educational materials, but she maintains versatility to work across various industries. Known for her keen attention to detail and a deep passion for language, she possesses a sharp eye for precision.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 13, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
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    Expert Reviewed by
    Heather Baxter
  • Oct 04, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Iclaire
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