West B Test Reading: Figurative Language and Literary Devices

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a simile?

Accepted Answer

Her smile was like sunshine on a cloudy day.

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Personification

Answer

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

Question 3

Which sentence contains an example of alliteration?

Accepted Answer

She sells seashells by the seashore.

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Hyperbole

Answer

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

Question 5

A metaphor differs from a simile in that a metaphor:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

West B Test Practice Test