West B Test Reading: Figurative Language and Literary Devices 2

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of onomatopoeia?

Accepted Answer

The bees buzzed around the hive.

Answer

The lake was a mirror.

Answer

She was as brave as a lion.

Answer

The early bird catches the worm.

Question 2

An author mentions early in a story that the main character always checks the lock twice. Later, a break-in occurs. This technique is called:

Accepted Answer

Foreshadowing

Answer

Flashback

Answer

Irony

Answer

Allegory

Question 3

In a story, a white dove appears whenever a character experiences peace. The dove most likely functions as a:

Accepted Answer

Symbol

Answer

Simile

Answer

Hyperbole

Answer

Euphemism

Question 4

Which sentence uses verbal irony (sarcasm)?

Accepted Answer

After crashing his car, he said, 'Well, this is just wonderful.'

Answer

She ran as fast as a cheetah.

Answer

The leaves danced in the autumn breeze.

Answer

It rained cats and dogs all afternoon.

Question 5

What is an oxymoron?

Accepted Answer

A combination of contradictory terms used together

Answer

A very long and complicated word

Answer

A word that imitates a natural sound

Answer

A story in which characters represent abstract ideas

Question 6

A flashback in a story primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Provide background information about past events

Answer

Hint at events that will happen in the future

Answer

Give human qualities to non-human objects

Answer

Exaggerate a situation for humorous effect

Question 7

What does it mean when a passage uses the phrase 'bite the bullet'?

Accepted Answer

To endure a painful or difficult situation

Answer

To eat quickly without thinking

Answer

To speak harshly to someone

Answer

To make a reckless decision