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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Figurative Language Quiz: Practice and Review

Boost your learning with review questions and games

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 6
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting a trivia quiz on figurative language for high school students.

Which figure of speech involves comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'?
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Personification
A simile uses words such as 'like' or 'as' to draw a comparison between two different things. This vivid comparison helps create clear images in the reader's mind.
What is a metaphor?
A direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as'
An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally
A figure of speech that uses sensory details
A humorous play on words
A metaphor makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without employing 'like' or 'as'. This creates a powerful image or idea in the reader's mind.
What literary device gives human qualities to non-human things?
Personification
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Personification is the attribution of human characteristics to objects or abstract ideas. This device makes descriptions more relatable and vivid.
Which of the following best defines hyperbole?
Exaggeration for emphasis or humor
A direct comparison of two unlike things
An understatement for effect
A method for describing sound
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used to emphasize a point or create a dramatic effect. It is not meant to be taken literally.
Which phrase is an example of an idiom?
Break the ice
Run fast
Jump high
Sing a song
An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not deducible from the individual words, and 'break the ice' is commonly used to mean initiating conversation or interaction. This makes it the best example.
Which sentence contains a simile?
Her smile was as bright as the sun.
The tree whispered in the wind.
Time flew by quickly.
Books are treasures in a library.
Option A uses 'as' to compare her smile to the sun, a hallmark of a simile. The other options do not employ a direct comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
Identify the metaphor in the sentence: 'The classroom was a zoo during recess.'
The classroom was a zoo during recess.
The students played like animals.
The teacher roared at the noise.
The hallways echoed with laughter.
This sentence directly calls the classroom a 'zoo' without using 'like' or 'as', which is characteristic of a metaphor. The literal comparison effectively conveys chaos during recess.
In the statement 'The wind whispered secrets to the trees,' what figure of speech is employed?
Personification
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Giving the wind the human trait of whispering secrets is an example of personification. This device imbues the natural world with human-like qualities.
Which option best describes onomatopoeia?
Words that imitate sounds.
A direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'.
Exaggerated statements for effect.
Expressions with nonliteral meanings.
Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic the sound they denote, such as 'bang' or 'sizzle'. This makes option A the correct definition.
What does the idiom 'spill the beans' mean?
To reveal a secret.
To drop a container.
To cook improperly.
To discard unwanted items.
The idiom 'spill the beans' is used to describe the act of revealing a secret. Its figurative meaning contrasts with its literal imagery.
Identify the literary device in the sentence: 'I've told you a million times.'
Hyperbole
Irony
Alliteration
Metaphor
The phrase exaggerates how many times something has been repeated, which is characteristic of hyperbole. It emphasizes a point through overstatement.
Which option is an example of alliteration?
She sells seashells by the seashore.
The night was dark and stormy.
He ran quickly to catch the bus.
The leaves fell silently.
Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words. Option A is a classic example that uses the 's' sound repeatedly.
Which figure of speech is used in 'The world is a stage'?
Metaphor
Simile
Hyperbole
Personification
This statement is a metaphor because it directly compares the world to a stage without using 'like' or 'as'. It suggests that life is theatrical in nature.
Which sentence best incorporates an oxymoron?
The deafening silence filled the room.
The bright sun shone over the valley.
He whispered his secret.
The leaves rustled softly.
An oxymoron is the combination of contradictory terms, as seen in 'deafening silence'. This juxtaposition creates a dramatic effect that enhances the description.
What is the effect of using figurative language in literature?
It creates vivid images and deeper meaning.
It confuses the reader with literal descriptions.
It limits the text to only factual statements.
It excludes emotional expression.
Figurative language enriches writing by adding layers of meaning and imagery, making the text more engaging and expressive. This enhances the reader's experience by inviting deeper interpretation.
In the sentence 'Her voice was a melody that soothed the savage beast of her heart,' which figurative devices are combined?
Metaphor and personification
Simile and hyperbole
Idiom and allegory
Onomatopoeia and alliteration
This sentence uses a metaphor by comparing her voice to a melody while also personifying her heart as a 'savage beast'. The combination intensifies the emotional imagery.
Analyze the sentence: 'The bitter cold slashed at his skin like a vicious beast.' Which two figures of speech are combined here?
Simile and personification
Metaphor and alliteration
Hyperbole and idiom
Onomatopoeia and simile
The use of 'like a vicious beast' clearly signals a simile, while attributing the action of 'slashed' to cold gives it a human-like quality, a form of personification. This blend of devices effectively creates a strong sensory image.
Which statement best demonstrates a layered interpretation of the phrase 'time is money'?
It suggests that spending time is as valuable as spending money.
It implies that time can be physically exchanged for cash.
It means that time is often wasted like money.
It indicates that money can buy more time.
The phrase 'time is money' is a metaphor emphasizing the value of time in a manner similar to money. Option A captures this layered meaning by acknowledging the high value placed on time.
In a poem describing a storm, the line 'the angry clouds roared in dissent' is an example of which figure of speech?
Personification
Hyperbole
Metaphor
Onomatopoeia
By attributing emotions and the act of roaring to clouds, the poet is using personification. This enhances the dramatic imagery of the storm and conveys mood effectively.
Examine the line: 'The river danced under the moonlight.' Which literary device is at play?
Personification
Simile
Alliteration
Hyperbole
The river is given the human characteristic of dancing, which is an example of personification. This imaginative description paints a lively picture of the moonlit scene.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze various examples of similes, metaphors, hyperboles, and idioms.
  2. Interpret the meaning of figurative language in different literary contexts.
  3. Identify key literary devices within provided texts.
  4. Evaluate the impact of figurative language on overall narrative and tone.

Figurative Language Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand Metaphors and Similes - Metaphors boldly declare that one thing is another to spark vivid imagery, like "time is a thief." Similes keep it playful by using "like" or "as," such as "smooth as silk." Spotting these brings any story alive and turns you into a creative detective! Figurative Language Guide
  2. Identify Personification - Personification hands human traits to non‑human things, for example "the moon winked at me." This device breathes life into objects and scenes, making your reading more immersive and fun. Learning to spot it will level‑up your imagery analysis! Figurative Language Guide
  3. Recognize Hyperbole - Hyperbole is all about dramatic exaggeration, like "I've told you a million times!" It packs a punch of humor or emphasis and shows you just how passionate a writer can get. Mastering hyperbole helps you decode tone and mood in any text. Figurative Language Guide
  4. Explore Alliteration and Assonance - Alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds ("Sally sells seashells"), while assonance echoes vowel sounds ("the early bird hears the worm"). These musical techniques add rhythm and flair, making passages stick in your head. Spotting them turns reading into an ear‑pleasing adventure! Figurative Language Guide
  5. Understand Onomatopoeia - Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate sounds, such as "buzz," "sizzle," or "thud." They crank up your sensory experience, letting you "hear" the action on the page. Noticing these will make your study sessions much more immersive! Figurative Language Guide
  6. Learn About Idioms - Idioms are quirky phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the words alone, like "break a leg" meaning "good luck." They're sprinkled throughout everyday language and literature, adding color and cultural flavor. Get familiar with idioms to sound like a native speaker and ace those exams! Figurative Language Guide
  7. Recognize Symbolism - Symbolism turns ordinary objects or actions into carriers of deeper meaning, such as a dove representing peace. Spotting symbols uncovers hidden themes and messages beneath the surface of any text. Decode these secret codes to reveal an author's true intentions! Deep Dive into Symbolism
  8. Understand Irony - Irony flips expectations on their head, whether it's verbal ("What lovely weather!" during a storm) or situational (a fire station burns down). It often adds humor or highlights deeper themes. Recognizing irony shows you the clever twists authors use to keep readers on their toes! CliffsNotes on Irony
  9. Explore Oxymorons and Paradoxes - Oxymorons pair opposing words ("bittersweet"), while paradoxes are statements that seem self‑contradictory but reveal a surprising truth ("less is more"). These devices challenge your logic and open your mind to complex ideas. Embrace the puzzle to sharpen your critical thinking! Figurative Language Guide
  10. Practice Identifying Figurative Language in Context - The real magic happens when you read novels, poems, and articles looking for these devices in action. Mix up genres - fantasy, news, lyrics - and play "spot the device" to reinforce your skills. With regular practice, you'll decode any figurative flourish like a pro! Twinkl Figurative Language Handout
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