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

Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate natural sounds; 'buzzed' sounds like the noise bees make.

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

Foreshadowing is when an author gives an early hint or clue about something that will happen later in the story.

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

Symbolism occurs when an object represents something beyond its literal meaning; the dove represents peace.

Question 4

Which sentence uses verbal irony (sarcasm)?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Verbal irony means saying the opposite of what you mean; calling a car crash 'wonderful' is sarcastic.

Question 5

What is an oxymoron?

Accepted Answer

A combination of contradictory terms used together

Answer

An oxymoron pairs two contradictory words to create a paradoxical expression, such as 'deafening silence.'

West B Test Practice Test