Essential Literary Terms, pp. 59-67

What is the definition of hyperbole?

• A figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

• A figure of speech that uses understatement to convey a point.

• A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.

• A figure of speech that uses a play on words.

Which of the following is an example of an oxymoron?

• "Jumbo shrimp"

• "The sky is blue"

• "As brave as a lion"

• "A piece of cake"

Identify the term that describes a statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth.

• Hyperbole

• Paradox

• Litotes

• Pun

What is the primary purpose of using litotes in literature?

• To exaggerate a point

• To make an understatement by using double negatives

• To create a humorous effect

• To describe something in a roundabout way

Which of the following sentences is an example of understatement?

• "I have a ton of homework."

• "It's just a scratch," he said about the large dent.

• "The world is your oyster."

• "She is as busy as a bee."

What is periphrasis?

• A figure of speech that uses a play on words

• A figure of speech that uses indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing

• A figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis

• A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms

Which of the following is an example of a pun?

• "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."

• "The silence was deafening."

• "Less is more."

• "The sun smiled down on us."

What is the effect of using hyperbole in writing?

• To create a literal interpretation

• To emphasize a point through exaggeration

• To downplay the importance of something

• To confuse the reader with contradictory statements

Which term refers to a figure of speech that uses a play on words, often for humorous effect?

• Oxymoron

• Hyperbole

• Pun

• Paradox

Identify the literary term used in the following sentence: "He is not the cleverest person I have ever met."

• Hyperbole

• Litotes

• Oxymoron

• Paradox