Reading Comprehension Figurative Language and Literary Devices 2

Question 1

"Time is a thief that steals our youth while we sleep."

What literary device is used, and what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Personification — time is given the human quality of stealing, suggesting aging happens gradually and without our awareness.

Answer

Giving time the human action of 'stealing' is personification; the metaphor also conveys that the passage of time takes our youth quietly and without permission.

Question 2

"The stars are scattered diamonds on a velvet sky."

What literary device is used, and what does it suggest?

Accepted Answer

A metaphor directly comparing stars to diamonds on velvet, suggesting a beautiful, luxurious night sky.

Answer

The sentence equates stars to scattered diamonds without 'like' or 'as,' making it a metaphor that evokes brilliance, rarity, and beauty.

Question 3

"The kettle screamed as the steam surged through its spout, startling the cat off the windowsill."

What literary device is used in 'the kettle screamed,' and why might the author have chosen it?

Accepted Answer

Personification — giving the kettle a human vocal response makes the sound feel sudden, sharp, and alarming.

Answer

Attributing screaming to a kettle is personification: it gives the object a human emotional reaction, vividly conveying the shrill, startling sound.

Question 4

"Marcus felt as light as a feather as he walked out of the exam room, certain he had passed."

What literary device is used, and what does it reveal about Marcus's emotional state?

Accepted Answer

A simile comparing his feeling to a feather using 'as…as,' conveying extreme relief and happiness.

Answer

'As light as a feather' uses 'as…as' to form a simile; the comparison conveys Marcus's emotional lightness — relief and joy — not literal physical weight.

Question 5

"The red rose she left on his desk was more than a flower — it was a silent apology."

What literary device is primarily at work, and what does it suggest?

Accepted Answer

Symbolism — the rose represents an apology, using a physical object to convey an emotion or message the character cannot express verbally.

Answer

The rose is used symbolically: the author explicitly states it represents 'a silent apology,' making it a symbol for unexpressed regret.

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Figurative Language and Literary Devices 2