Figures of Speech & Literary Devices: 9 MCQs with Explanations

This is a metaphor because it directly compares two unlike things (world and stage) without using 'like' or 'as'.

A malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect. 'Pineapple' instead of 'pinnacle' is a malapropism.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words. Both A and C use alliteration (P sound and S sound respectively).

A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt. 'Passed away' is a euphemism for 'died'.

Personification is giving human qualities to non-human things. 'Whispered' is a human action attributed to the wind.

This is a metaphor because it directly compares two unlike things (life and journey) without using 'like' or 'as'.

Personification is giving human qualities to non-human things. 'Whispered' is a human action attributed to the wind.

This is a simile because it compares two unlike things (life and journey) using the word 'like'.

Personification is giving human qualities to non-human things. 'Smiled' is a human action attributed to the sun.

John Keats is the correct answer to “The poet who used extensive alliteration”. Items of this type are drawn from the Figures of Speech & Literary Devices syllabus of Pakistani competitive exams, where the fact is tested verbatim.