Literary Terms Review Quiz
Choose the best answer below.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
"He ran like a scared cat" is an example of?
- A.
Apostrophe
- B.
Simile
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
B. SimileExplanation
The phrase "He ran like a scared cat" is an example of a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as". In this case, it is comparing the way he ran to the way a scared cat runs. Similes are used to create vivid imagery and help the reader understand a concept or situation by comparing it to something familiar.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is a metaphor that gives human qualities to an inanimate object?
- A.
Hyperbole
- B.
Metaphor
- C.
Apostrophe
- D.
Personification
Correct Answer
D. PersonificationExplanation
Personification is a figure of speech that attributes human qualities or characteristics to inanimate objects. It is used to make the object more relatable or to give it a human-like personality. In this case, the question is asking for a metaphor that gives human qualities to an inanimate object, and personification fits this description perfectly. Hyperbole is an exaggeration, metaphor is a comparison without using "like" or "as", and apostrophe is a figure of speech where an absent or imaginary person is addressed.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What term is illustrated by the following quote, "The gold flowing from Mr. Tryssenaar's head..."?
- A.
Simile
- B.
Onomatopoeia
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Metonymy
Correct Answer
C. MetaphorExplanation
The term illustrated by the quote "The gold flowing from Mr. Tryssenaar's head..." is metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by stating that one thing is another. In this case, the comparison is between the gold and Mr. Tryssenaar's head, suggesting that his head is like a source of flowing gold.Rate this question:
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- 4.
"O Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou, Romeo?" is an example of?
- A.
Metonymy
- B.
Apostrophe
- C.
Personification
- D.
Paradox
Correct Answer
B. ApostropheExplanation
The given quote, "O Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou, Romeo?" is an example of apostrophe. Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses someone or something that is not present or is unable to respond. In this quote from Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is speaking to Romeo, who is not physically present. She is expressing her longing for him and questioning why he is a Montague, as their families are in a feud.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A thud is an example of onomatopoeia.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate or suggest the sound of what they describe. A thud is a word that imitates the sound it represents, making it an example of onomatopoeia. Therefore, the given statement "A thud is an example of onomatopoeia" is true.Rate this question:
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- 6.
"Poetry is old, ancient, goes back far. It is among the oldest of living things. So old it is that no man knows how and why the first poems came." The most used literary device in this quote is?
- A.
Repetition
- B.
Consonance
- C.
Alliteration
- D.
Assonance
Correct Answer
D. AssonanceExplanation
The most used literary device in this quote is assonance. Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. In this quote, the repetition of the long "o" sound in the words "old," "goes," "no," and "knows" creates a musical and rhythmic effect. This use of assonance helps to emphasize the timeless and ancient nature of poetry being described.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The phrase, "It was so cold, I saw polar bears bears wearing jackets." is an example of?
- A.
Hyperbole
- B.
Synecdoche
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Simile
Correct Answer
A. HyperboleExplanation
The phrase "It was so cold, I saw polar bears wearing jackets" is an example of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. In this case, the speaker is exaggerating the extreme coldness by saying they saw polar bears, which are typically associated with cold climates, wearing jackets. This exaggeration helps convey just how cold the speaker felt.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which term(s) is(are) rarely the correct answer on the English Provincial?
- A.
Synecdoche
- B.
Metonymy
- C.
Not Synecdoche and Metonymy
- D.
Both Synecdoche and Metonymy
Correct Answer
D. Both Synecdoche and MetonymyExplanation
Both synecdoche and metonymy are commonly tested topics on the English Provincial, making them rarely the correct answer. The question is asking for the term(s) that are rarely the correct answer, so the answer is both synecdoche and metonymy.Rate this question:
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- 9.
"Once upon a midnight dreary while I pondered weak and weary." is an example of?
- A.
Allusion
- B.
Rhyme
- C.
Assonance
- D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
D. AlliterationExplanation
The given phrase "Once upon a midnight dreary while I pondered weak and weary" is an example of alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. In this case, the "w" sound is repeated in "weak" and "weary," creating a musical and rhythmic effect.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Define Consonance.
- A.
When the word imitates the sound it describes.
- B.
Sound pattern formed by repeating consonant sounds.
- C.
Creation of a pattern of sound using repeated vowel sounds.
- D.
Constant rhyming scheme.
Correct Answer
B. Sound pattern formed by repeating consonant sounds.Explanation
Consonance refers to a sound pattern formed by repeating consonant sounds. It is a literary device that adds musicality and rhythm to a piece of writing. This repetition of consonant sounds can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of words and helps create a pleasing and harmonious effect. Consonance is often used in poetry and prose to enhance the overall sound and structure of the text.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A chorus is a form of repetition.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A chorus is a section of a song that is repeated multiple times throughout the song. It often contains the main theme or hook of the song. Therefore, it can be considered a form of repetition as it repeats the same musical and lyrical elements.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The tallest short person in the room gets to eat, is an example of?
- A.
Oxymoron
- B.
Allusion
- C.
Personification
- D.
Paradox
Correct Answer
D. ParadoxExplanation
The statement "The tallest short person in the room gets to eat" presents a contradiction or inconsistency, which is characteristic of a paradox. It combines two contradictory ideas, as being both tall and short are opposite qualities. This statement challenges our understanding of logic and creates a sense of irony or confusion.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Why are symbols used?
- A.
Represent abstract ideas
- B.
Allude to other texts
- C.
Compare two objects
- D.
Emphasize emotions
Correct Answer
A. Represent abstract ideasExplanation
Symbols are used to represent abstract ideas because they provide a visual representation of concepts that are intangible or difficult to explain. Symbols can convey complex meanings and evoke emotions, allowing for a deeper understanding and connection with the audience. By using symbols, writers and artists can communicate universal themes and messages that transcend language barriers and cultural differences. Symbols also add depth and richness to storytelling by adding layers of meaning and inviting interpretation.Rate this question:
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- 14.
“What poetic device is a reference to a historical figure or event?
- A.
Simile
- B.
Allusion
- C.
Metaphor
- D.
Diction
Correct Answer
B. AllusionExplanation
An allusion is a poetic device that refers to a historical figure or event. It is a way for the poet to make a connection between their work and a well-known person or event from history. By using an allusion, the poet can add depth and meaning to their poem by tapping into the reader's knowledge and understanding of the referenced figure or event. This allows for a richer and more layered reading experience.Rate this question:
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- 15.
An overused expression such as "He saw the writing on the wall," is an example of?
- A.
Personification
- B.
Metaphor
- C.
Cliché
- D.
Myth
Correct Answer
C. ClichéExplanation
An overused expression such as "He saw the writing on the wall," is an example of a cliché. A cliché is a phrase or expression that has been used so often that it has lost its originality and impact. It is a common and predictable saying that lacks creativity or freshness. In this case, the phrase "He saw the writing on the wall" is a cliché because it has been used repeatedly to convey the idea that someone could see an inevitable outcome or impending trouble.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is a Parody?
- A.
An untrue or self-contradictory statement
- B.
The feeling of pity, sympathy, and tenderness
- C.
Humour used to highlight weaknesses of concepts or expressions
- D.
A common device used to arrange words
Correct Answer
C. Humour used to highlight weaknesses of concepts or expressionsExplanation
A parody is a form of humor that is used to highlight weaknesses or flaws in concepts or expressions. It often involves imitating or mimicking a particular style or work in a humorous or satirical way. Parodies are meant to entertain and provide commentary by exaggerating or mocking certain aspects of the original subject matter. They are not meant to be taken seriously or as true representations, but rather as a form of social critique or comedic commentary.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What term is illustrated by the following quote, "And I have promises to keep,/ And miles to go before I sleep,/ And miles to go before I sleep."?
- A.
Dissonance
- B.
Paradox
- C.
Cliche
- D.
Repetition
Correct Answer
D. RepetitionExplanation
The given quote repeats the phrase "And miles to go before I sleep" twice, emphasizing the speaker's determination to fulfill their commitments and the long journey ahead. Repetition is a literary device used to create emphasis and reinforce a message or theme. In this case, the repetition highlights the speaker's sense of duty and the long road they still have to travel.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is a form of irony that is the opposite of hyperbole?
- A.
Vivification
- B.
Satire
- C.
Understatement
- D.
Personal Anecdote
Correct Answer
C. UnderstatementExplanation
Understatement is a form of irony that represents a situation or statement as less significant or serious than it actually is. It involves downplaying or minimizing the importance or magnitude of something. In contrast, hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim that is not meant to be taken literally. Therefore, understatement can be seen as the opposite of hyperbole because it involves presenting something as less significant rather than exaggerating it.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Identify the term that means the substitution of a pleasant expression for a blunt one such as "to pass away" for to die.
- A.
Euphemism
- B.
Cacophony
- C.
Epigram
- D.
Elegy
Correct Answer
A. EuphemismExplanation
An euphemism is a term used to replace a harsh or blunt expression with a more pleasant or mild one. It is a way of making something sound less offensive or more socially acceptable. In this case, "to pass away" is a euphemism for "to die", as it softens the impact of the word and makes it sound less harsh or direct.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following is not a type or form of irony?
- A.
Verbal
- B.
Climatic
- C.
Situational
- D.
Dramatic
Correct Answer
B. ClimaticExplanation
Climatic is not a type or form of irony. The other options listed - verbal, situational, and dramatic - are all recognized types of irony. Verbal irony occurs when someone says something but means the opposite. Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not. However, climatic is not a recognized type or form of irony.Rate this question:
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