Figures of Speech Quiz. Figures of speech are literary devices used to create special effects, make writing vivid, and express ideas more powerfully. They appear in poems, novels, plays, and everyday language. Understanding figures of speech is important for exams. This quiz will test your knowledge and help you identify common literary devices in context. At the end, score yourself over 20.
Figures of Speech Quiz (20 Questions)
1. A comparison using “like” or “as” is called:
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Irony
D. Personification
2. Giving human qualities to non-living things is called:
A. Metaphor
B. Hyperbole
C. Personification
D. Onomatopoeia
3. Exaggeration for effect or emphasis is called:
A. Hyperbole
B. Irony
C. Metaphor
D. Simile
4. A word that imitates a sound is called:
A. Alliteration
B. Onomatopoeia
C. Assonance
D. Pun
5. Repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words is called:
A. Assonance
B. Consonance
C. Alliteration
D. Rhyme
Figures of Speech Quiz
6. Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words is called:
A. Assonance
B. Consonance
C. Alliteration
D. Metaphor
7. A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as” is called:
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Irony
8. Words or phrases that have opposite meanings in context are examples of:
A. Irony
B. Pun
C. Metaphor
D. Simile
9. A humorous play on words is called:
A. Irony
B. Pun
C. Hyperbole
D. Metaphor
10. A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole is called:
A. Synecdoche
B. Metonymy
C. Hyperbole
D. Alliteration
Figures of Speech Quiz
11. Replacing the name of one thing with something closely related is called:
A. Synecdoche
B. Metonymy
C. Irony
D. Hyperbole
12. Words that suggest more than their literal meaning are called:
A. Literal expressions
B. Figurative expressions
C. Concrete terms
D. Abstract terms
13. The use of exaggeration to create humour or emphasis is called:
A. Irony
B. Hyperbole
C. Metonymy
D. Simile
14. A figure of speech that uses a mild expression for something harsh or unpleasant is called:
A. Euphemism
B. Metaphor
C. Simile
D. Pun
15. Deliberate understatement to emphasize a point is called:
A. Hyperbole
B. Litotes
C. Irony
D. Personification
Figures of Speech Quiz
16. A figure of speech in which an object or action represents something beyond itself is called:
A. Symbolism
B. Metaphor
C. Simile
D. Pun
17. Repetition of similar sounds within or at the end of words is called:
A. Assonance
B. Rhyme
C. Consonance
D. Alliteration
18. A sarcastic remark implying the opposite of what is said is called:
A. Pun
B. Irony
C. Hyperbole
D. Metonymy
19. Comparison of two things to highlight similarity is called:
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Analogy
D. Irony
20. A word, phrase, or sentence that appeals to the senses is called:
A. Imagery
B. Alliteration
C. Pun
D. Hyperbole
Answers and Explanations
1. B – Simile
A simile uses “like” or “as” to compare two unlike things, making descriptions more vivid. Example: “Her smile was bright like the sun.”
2. C – Personification
Personification gives human traits to non-living objects. Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.” It makes writing more lively.
3. A – Hyperbole
Hyperbole exaggerates for emphasis. Example: “I’ve told you a million times.” It is not literal but draws attention.
4. B – Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia imitates sounds. Example: “Buzz,” “Bang,” or “Moo.” It makes descriptions auditory and engaging.
5. C – Alliteration
Alliteration repeats consonant sounds at the start of words. Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” It creates rhythm.
6. A – Assonance
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. Example: “The early bird catches the worm.” It enhances musicality.
7. B – Metaphor
A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Example: “Time is a thief.” It implies similarity creatively.
8. A – Irony
Irony occurs when words mean the opposite of what is said or expected. Example: A fire station burning down. It highlights contrast.
9. B – Pun
A pun plays with words to create humor or double meanings. Example: “I used to be a banker, but I lost interest.”
10. A – Synecdoche
Synecdoche uses a part to represent the whole. Example: “All hands on deck” uses “hands” for people.
11. B – Metonymy
Metonymy replaces a word with something closely associated. Example: “The crown will decide” means the king or monarchy decides.
12. B – Figurative expressions
Figurative expressions convey meanings beyond the literal. They create imagery and deeper understanding.
13. B – Hyperbole
Hyperbole exaggerates situations for humor or impact. It emphasizes importance or dramatic effect.
14. A – Euphemism
Euphemism softens harsh statements. Example: “Passed away” instead of “died.” It is polite and sensitive.
15. B – Litotes
Litotes uses understatement to emphasize a point. Example: “He is not unkind” implies he is kind subtly.
16. A – Symbolism
Symbolism uses objects or actions to represent broader ideas. Example: A dove symbolizes peace.
17. C – Consonance
Consonance repeats consonant sounds within or at the end of words. Example: “The lumpy, bumpy road.” It adds rhythm.
18. B – Irony
Sarcasm is a form of irony where the speaker says the opposite of what they mean to convey humor or criticism.
19. C – Analogy
Analogy explains an idea by comparing it to a more familiar concept. Example: “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
20. A – Imagery
Imagery uses descriptive language appealing to the senses to help readers visualize or feel the scene.
This Figures of Speech quiz strengthens your understanding of literary devices, enhancing reading, writing, and exam skills. Practice regularly to identify these devices in poems, plays, and prose.
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