Reading: Figurative Language and Literary Devices Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of a simile?

Answer: Her smile was like sunshine on a cloudy day.

A simile makes a comparison using 'like' or 'as,' so 'like sunshine on a cloudy day' is the simile.

What literary device is used in the phrase 'The thunder grumbled and the rain wept'?

Answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities (grumbling, weeping) to non-human things like thunder and rain.

Which sentence contains an example of alliteration?

Answer: She sells seashells by the seashore.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound, as in 'sells seashells' and 'seashore.'

In the sentence 'I have told you a million times to clean your room,' what literary device is being used?

Answer: Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used for emphasis; saying 'a million times' is clearly not literal.

A metaphor differs from a simile in that a metaphor:

Answer: States a comparison directly without using 'like' or 'as'

A metaphor directly states one thing IS another, whereas a simile says one thing is LIKE another.

Which of the following best describes an idiom?

Answer: A phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its words

An idiom is an expression with a figurative meaning that differs from its literal meaning, such as 'kick the bucket.'

What does 'the pot calling the kettle black' most likely mean?

Answer: Accusing someone of a fault that you yourself have

This idiom means criticizing someone for a fault you also have; both the pot and kettle are equally black.