Literary and Language Terminology

Question 1

A student is drafting a literary analysis and must explain how a simile differs from a metaphor using precise metalanguage. Which sentence does this correctly?

Accepted Answer

A simile compares two unlike things by using the conjunctions 'like' or 'as', whereas a metaphor directly equates one thing with another without using those conjunctions.

Answer

A simile directly equates two ideas, while a metaphor uses the words 'like' or 'as' to show similarity.

Answer

Both similes and metaphors rely on the word 'as', but a simile is a mild comparison and a metaphor is an exaggerated one.

Answer

A simile is a kind of metaphor that contains hyperbole, so it always exaggerates, while a metaphor can be literal.

Question 2

Which of the following sentences follows standard English language conventions?

Accepted Answer

Either the cookies or the cake is missing from the tray.

Answer

Each of the players have trained hard for the tournament.

Answer

Both the manager and the employees was pleased with the results.

Answer

Neither the teachers nor the principal were available for comment.

Question 3

Which sentence includes a subordinate clause introduced by a relative pronoun?

Accepted Answer

The bicycle, which was painted red, belongs to my brother.

Answer

I finished my homework before dinner because I wanted to relax.

Answer

She sings beautifully and dances gracefully on stage.

Answer

The park opened early, and the children ran around.

Try three questions

A student is drafting a literary analysis and must explain how a simile differs from a metaphor using precise metalanguage. Which sentence does this correctly?

Which of the following sentences follows standard English language conventions?

Which sentence includes a subordinate clause introduced by a relative pronoun?

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