CUET Figure of Speech with Examples and Explanation. Poetic Devices
Writing is a craft. If you consider yourself a craftsperson, words are the raw materials, and figures of speech are one of the tools. A figure of speech is a creative use of language to achieve a certain effect. Some figures of speech, such as metaphor, simile, and metonymy, appear in ordinary language.
Others, such as antithesis, circumlocution, and puns, require more practice to incorporate into writing. The following are some frequent figures of speech, along with examples, to help you recognize and utilize them in your writing.
A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense to add depth, richness, or emphasis to language. It goes beyond the literal meaning of words to create imaginative expressions, evoke emotions, and make language more vivid and memorable.
CUET Figure of Speech with Examples and Explanation
There are many types of figures of speech, including:
- Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: “Her eyes sparkled like diamonds.”
- Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Example: “The world is a stage.”
- Personification: Giving human characteristics to non-human objects or abstract ideas. Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
- Hyperbole: Exaggerating for emphasis or effect. Example: “I’ve told you a million times.”Example: If I don’t eat soon, I’m going to die of hunger.
- Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.
- Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate the sound they represent. Example: “The clock ticked loudly.”
- Oxymoron: A combination of contradictory terms for emphasis or effect. Example: “Jumbo shrimp.”
- Irony: Expressing the opposite of what is expected, often for humor or emphasis. Example: “The fire station burned down.”
- Pun: A play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar-sounding words for humor or wit. Example: “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.”
- Euphemism: Using a mild or indirect word or expression to replace one that is considered too harsh or blunt. Example: “He passed away” instead of “He died.”
These figures of speech are commonly used in literature, poetry, rhetoric, and everyday language to convey ideas more creatively and effectively.
Simile:
She runs as fast as a cheetah.
Explanation: This sentence uses a simile to compare the speed of her running to that of a cheetah, emphasizing her swiftness.
His voice is as smooth as butter.
Explanation: This simile compares the smoothness of his voice to the smooth texture of butter, highlighting its pleasing quality.
The night sky sparkled like a diamond.
Explanation: This comparison likens the sparkling appearance of the night sky to the brilliance of a diamond, emphasizing its beauty.
She was brave like a lion.
Explanation: This simile compares her bravery to that of a lion, symbolizing strength and courage.
The watermelon tasted sweet like candy.
Explanation: By comparing the sweetness of the watermelon to that of candy, this simile emphasizes its sugary flavor.
Metaphor:
The world is a stage.
Explanation: This metaphor implies that life is like a play, where people play different roles and act out various scenes.
His heart is made of stone.
Explanation: This metaphor suggests that he lacks compassion or empathy, comparing his heart to a hard, emotionless stone.
Time is a thief.
Explanation: This metaphor portrays time as a thief that steals moments and opportunities, highlighting its fleeting nature.
The classroom was a zoo.
Explanation: By likening the classroom to a zoo, this metaphor suggests that it was chaotic and noisy, with students behaving like wild animals.
Her smile is a ray of sunshine.
Explanation: This metaphor compares the brightness and warmth of her smile to the comforting rays of the sun, emphasizing its positive impact.
Personification:
The trees danced in the wind.
Explanation: This personification attributes human-like qualities (dancing) to the trees, enhancing the imagery and bringing the scene to life.
The stars winked at me from the night sky.
Explanation: By saying the stars “winked,” this personification gives them a human-like action, adding a playful tone to the description.
The flowers whispered secrets to each other.
Explanation: This personification suggests that the flowers communicate like humans, enhancing the sense of intimacy and mystery.
The old house groaned as if in pain.
Explanation: By describing the house as “groaning,” this personification gives it human-like sounds, evoking a sense of age and decrepitude.
The sun smiled down on the earth.
Explanation: This personification attributes human emotion (smiling) to the sun, creating a sense of warmth and benevolence.
Hyperbole:
I’ve told you a million times!
Explanation: This hyperbolic statement exaggerates the frequency of telling, emphasizing frustration or annoyance.
The suitcase weighs a ton!
Explanation: This hyperbole exaggerates the weight of the suitcase, emphasizing its heaviness.
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
Explanation: This hyperbolic expression exaggerates hunger by suggesting the person could eat a large amount of food.
He’s as tall as a skyscraper.
Explanation: This hyperbole exaggerates someone’s height by comparing them to an extremely tall structure.
My backpack is bursting at the seams.
Explanation: This hyperbolic statement exaggerates the fullness of the backpack, implying it’s overly stuffed.
Alliteration:
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Explanation: This sentence features alliteration with the repetition of the “p” sound, creating a playful and rhythmic effect.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
Explanation: This phrase contains alliteration with the repetition of the “s” sound, creating a catchy and memorable rhythm.
The big, brown bear bellowed boldly.
Explanation: The repetition of the “b” sound in this sentence creates alliteration, adding emphasis and vividness to the description.
Five frantic frogs fled from fifty fierce fishes.
Explanation: This sentence employs alliteration with the repeated “f” sound, enhancing its rhythm and adding to its whimsical tone.
The slippery snake slithered silently.
Explanation: The repetition of the “s” sound in this phrase creates alliteration, contributing to its smooth and fluid flow.
Irony:
The fire station burned down.
Explanation: This sentence is ironic because the place that is supposed to prevent fires (the fire station) is destroyed by fire.
“Thanks for the ticket officer, you just made my day,” said sarcastically after receiving a speeding ticket.
Explanation: This statement is ironic because the speaker expresses gratitude for something negative (receiving a ticket), implying the opposite of what they truly feel.
A dentist with bad teeth.
Explanation: This situation is ironic because a dentist, who is expected to promote good dental hygiene, has poor oral health themselves.
A lifeguard drowning in a pool.
Explanation: This scenario is ironic because a lifeguard, whose job is to save others from drowning, is the one in need of rescue.
“Oh great! Another meeting,” said with a sigh as yet another unproductive meeting is announced.
Explanation: This statement is ironic because the speaker expresses enthusiasm (“Oh great!”) for something they likely find tedious or frustrating (another unproductive meeting).
Pun:
I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.
Explanation: This pun plays on the double meaning of “dough” – both as a slang term for money and as the raw ingredient used in baking.
I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down!
Explanation: This pun exploits the double meaning of “put down” – both as physically setting something down and as being unable to stop reading.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
Explanation: This pun relies on the double meaning of “flies” – as a verb meaning to move swiftly and as a noun referring to insects.
I’m reading a book on the history of glue. I just can’t seem to put it down! Explanation: Similar to the previous example, this pun plays on the double meaning of “put down” in a humorous way.
The magician got so mad he pulled his hare out.
Explanation: This pun involves a play on words with “hare” (a rabbit) and “hair” (on the magician’s head), resulting in a humorous twist.
The wind whispered secrets to the trees, rustling their leaves in the moonlit night. (Personification)
Explanation: This sentence personifies the wind by suggesting it is capable of whispering secrets, attributing human-like qualities to it.
His smile was as wide as the ocean, radiating warmth and happiness. (Simile) Explanation: This sentence compares the width of his smile to the vastness of the ocean, using “as” to indicate a simile and convey the extent of his happiness.
The politician’s promises were as empty as a broken piggy bank. (Metaphor) Explanation: This sentence metaphorically compares the emptiness of the politician’s promises to a broken piggy bank, suggesting they lack substance or value.
She waited for hours in line, feeling as though time itself had slowed to a crawl. (Hyperbole)
Explanation: This sentence exaggerates the passage of time by suggesting that it had slowed to a crawl, emphasizing the length and tedium of her wait.
The thunderous roar of the waterfall echoed through the canyon, a symphony of nature’s power. (Alliteration)
Explanation: This sentence employs alliteration with the repeated “th” sound in “thunderous,” “roar,” and “through,” creating a rhythmic effect that mimics the sound of the waterfall.
The comedian’s joke about the clumsy waiter was so ironic, considering he himself spilled his drink moments later. (Irony)
Explanation: This sentence highlights irony by presenting a situation where the comedian, who made a joke about a clumsy waiter, ends up clumsily spilling his drink, contradicting expectations.
The student’s excuse for not doing the homework was punny, claiming the dog ate his laptop instead of his homework. (Pun)
Explanation: This sentence uses a pun by playing on the common excuse “the dog ate my homework” and substituting “laptop” for “homework,” creating a humorous twist.
The crackling fire whispered secrets to the night, its flames dancing in the darkness. (Onomatopoeia)
Explanation: This sentence employs onomatopoeia by describing the sound of the crackling fire as “whispered,” creating a vivid auditory image.
Their relationship was like a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs at every turn. (Oxymoron)
Explanation: This sentence juxtaposes contradictory terms “ups” and “downs” to describe their relationship, emphasizing its fluctuating nature.
The news anchor delicately announced the tragic event as a “regrettable incident,” softening the impact of the news. (Euphemism)
Explanation: This sentence uses euphemism to describe a tragic event as a “regrettable incident,” choosing a less direct or harsh term to convey the news.
The sunflower stretched its golden face towards the warm embrace of the sun, basking in its radiant glow. (Personification)
Explanation: This sentence attributes human-like qualities to the sunflower by suggesting it can stretch and bask in the sun’s warmth, enhancing the imagery.
His laughter echoed through the room like a joyous melody, filling the air with happiness. (Simile)
Explanation: This sentence compares the sound of his laughter to a joyous melody, using “like” to indicate a simile and evoke a sense of musicality.
The city streets were a labyrinth of concrete and chaos, teeming with life and energy. (Metaphor)
Explanation: This sentence metaphorically describes the city streets as a labyrinth, emphasizing their complexity and bustling nature.
She was so hungry that she could eat a horse. (Hyperbole)
Explanation: This sentence exaggerates her hunger by suggesting she could eat a large amount of food, emphasizing the intensity of her hunger.
The bees buzzed busily as they gathered nectar from the blooming flowers. (Alliteration)
Explanation: This sentence employs alliteration with the repeated “b” sound in “buzzed” and “busily,” creating a buzzing sound effect that mimics the bees’ activity.
The firefighter’s decision to start a fire safety campaign in his own home was a prime example of irony. (Irony)
Explanation: This sentence highlights irony by presenting a situation where a firefighter, whose job is to extinguish fires, starts a fire safety campaign in his own home, contradicting expectations.
The comedian’s joke about the lost keys was a real door-opener for laughter. (Pun) Explanation: This sentence uses a pun by playing on the term “door-opener” to suggest the comedian’s joke opened the door to laughter, creating a humorous twist.
The sizzling bacon in the frying pan made his mouth water with anticipation. (Onomatopoeia)
Explanation: This sentence employs onomatopoeia by describing the sound of the bacon cooking as “sizzling,” creating a vivid auditory image.
His bitter-sweet memories of childhood brought tears to his eyes, a paradox of emotions. (Oxymoron)
Explanation: This sentence juxtaposes contradictory terms “bitter” and “sweet” to describe his memories, emphasizing the conflicting emotions associated with them.
The politician referred to the budget cut as “streamlining expenditures,” a euphemism for slashing funding. (Euphemism)
Explanation: This sentence uses euphemism to describe a budget cut as “streamlining expenditures,” choosing a less direct or negative term to convey the action.
Onomatopoeia: Examples:
- Buzz (the sound of a bee)
- Boom (the sound of an explosion)
- Hiss (the sound of a snake)
- Splash (the sound of water)
- Sizzle (the sound of frying)
- Whack (the sound of a hit)
- Cuckoo (the sound of a bird)
- Ding-dong (the sound of a bell)
- Meow (the sound of a cat)
- Beep (the sound of a car horn)
Explanation: Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate or suggest the sound they describe. They add vividness and sensory detail to writing by creating auditory imagery.
- Oxymoron: Examples:
- Bittersweet
- Deafening silence
- Jumbo shrimp
- Living dead
- Pretty ugly
- Open secret
- Freezer burn
- Act naturally
- Original copy
- Seriously funny
Explanation: An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms to create a paradoxical effect. It adds depth and complexity to language by highlighting contrasting ideas within a single phrase.
- Euphemism: Examples:
- Passed away (instead of died)
- Let go (instead of fired)
- Correctional facility (instead of prison)
- Economically disadvantaged (instead of poor)
- Pre-owned (instead of used)
- Enhanced interrogation (instead of torture)
- Restroom (instead of toilet)
- Vertically challenged (instead of short)
- Departed (instead of dead)
- Collateral damage (instead of civilian casualties)
Explanation: A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of a harsh or blunt one to soften the impact of unpleasant or sensitive topics. It serves to avoid offense or discomfort in communication.
The sunflower swayed in the gentle breeze, its petals as golden as the morning sun. (Simile) Explanation: This sentence compares the swaying motion of the sunflower to the gentle movement of the breeze using the word “as,” indicating a simile.
Her laughter was music to his ears, a melody that warmed his soul. (Metaphor) Explanation: This sentence metaphorically compares the sound of her laughter to music, suggesting that it brings joy and comfort like a pleasing melody.
The stars danced in the midnight sky, their twinkling lights casting a magical glow. (Personification)
Explanation: This sentence personifies the stars by suggesting they are capable of dancing, giving them human-like qualities and attributes.
His hunger was so intense that he could devour a whole cow in one bite. (Hyperbole) Explanation: This sentence exaggerates the intensity of his hunger by stating he could eat a whole cow in one bite, emphasizing the extreme nature of his hunger.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. (Alliteration)
Explanation: This sentence uses alliteration by repeating the sound of the letter “p” in close succession, creating a rhythmic and memorable effect.
The irony of the situation was not lost on him; he was a fireman who feared flames. (Irony)
Explanation: This sentence presents a situation where a fireman, whose profession involves combating fires, paradoxically fears flames, creating a sense of irony.
The pun about the broken pencil was pointless, but it still managed to lead to laughter. (Pun)
Explanation: This sentence uses a pun, playing on the double meaning of “pointless” to refer to both the lack of a point on a broken pencil and the lack of significance in the joke.
The car horn blared angrily, its piercing sound echoing through the silent street. (Onomatopoeia)
Explanation: This sentence employs onomatopoeia by describing the sound of the car horn as “blared,” mimicking the loud and harsh noise it produces.
Their love was a bitter-sweet symphony, filled with highs and lows. (Oxymoron) Explanation: This sentence juxtaposes contradictory terms “bitter” and “sweet” to describe their love, emphasizing its complexity and mixed emotions.
She announced her retirement as gracefully as she could, euphemistically referring to it as “taking a well-deserved break.” (Euphemism)
Explanation: This sentence uses euphemism to soften the idea of retirement by describing it as “taking a well-deserved break,” minimizing the negative connotations associated with leaving a job or career.
Simile:
Question: Which of the following is an example of a simile?
a) The sun is a golden coin.
b) The sun shines brightly.
c) The sun dances in the sky.
d) The sun is like a golden coin.
Answer: d) The sun is like a golden coin.
Metaphor: Question: What does the metaphor “Time is a thief” mean?
a) Time steals physical objects.
b) Time moves quickly.
c) Time makes people age.
d) Time takes away moments and opportunities.
Answer: d) Time takes away moments and opportunities.
Personification: Question: Which sentence demonstrates personification?
a) The stars twinkled in the night sky.
b) The wind whispered secrets in my ear.
c) The flowers swayed gently in the breeze
. d) The river flowed steadily downstream.
Answer: b) The wind whispered secrets in my ear.
Hyperbole: Question: What figure of speech is used in the sentence “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
Answer: d) Hyperbole
Alliteration: Question: Which phrase demonstrates alliteration?
a) The cat chased the mouse.
b) Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
c) She sells seashells by the seashore.
d) The sun sets slowly in the west.
Answer: c) She sells seashells by the seashore.
Onomatopoeia: Question: What is an example of onomatopoeia?
a) The tree swayed in the wind.
b) The clock ticked loudly.
c) The baby giggled happily.
d) The rain fell softly on the roof.
Answer: b) The clock ticked loudly.
Oxymoron: Question: Which phrase is an example of an oxymoron?
a) Bitter sweet
b) Cold as ice
c) Bright darkness
d) Strong wind
Answer: a) Bitter sweet
Irony: Question: Which statement is an example of verbal irony?
a) It’s a beautiful day, said during a rainstorm.
b) Winning the lottery and going bankrupt the next day.
c) A fire station burning down.
d) A dentist with bad teeth.
Answer: a) It’s a beautiful day, said during a rainstorm.
Pun: Question: Which sentence is a pun?
a) Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
b) I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.
c) She had a photographic memory but never developed it.
d) The dancer’s shoes were tired, so they gave her the boot.
Answer: b) I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.
Euphemism: Question: Which phrase is an example of euphemism?
a) He’s as thin as a rail.
b) She’s under the weather.
c) They’re in a romantic relationship.
d) He’s as strong as an ox.
Answer: b) She’s under the weather.
Assonance: Question: Which phrase demonstrates assonance?
a) The cat sat on the mat.
b) The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
c) The sea breeze blew gently.
d) The moon rose over the smooth dunes.
Answer: b) The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
Cliché: Question: What is an example of a cliché?
a) It’s raining cats and dogs.
b) Time flies when you’re having fun.
c) Better late than never.
d) Actions speak louder than words.
Answer: a) It’s raining cats and dogs.
Metonymy: Question: Which phrase demonstrates metonymy?
a) The White House issued a statement.
b) The pen is mightier than the sword.
c) The crown announced new regulations.
d) He’s a snake in the grass.
Answer: a) The White House issued a statement.
Synecdoche: Question: What is an example of synecdoche?
a) All hands on deck.
b) I’m counting heads.
c) The wheels of justice turn slowly.
d) The city never sleeps.
Answer: b) I’m counting heads.
Litotes: Question: Which sentence demonstrates litotes?
a) It’s not uncommon for people to make mistakes.
b) She’s a million miles away.
c) He’s not the brightest bulb in the box.
d) The party was anything but boring.
Answer: a) It’s not uncommon for people to make mistakes.
Anaphora: Question: What is an example of anaphora?
a) I have a dream that one day…
b) The sun, the moon, the stars—all seemed to align.
c) Love is patient, love is kind, love is forgiving.
d) Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.
Answer: c) Love is patient, love is kind, love is forgiving.
Epistrophe: Question: Which sentence demonstrates epistrophe?
a) When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child.
b) The best days are the ones spent with friends, the ones filled with laughter.
c) This is the end, my only friend, the end.
d) I came, I saw, I conquered.
Answer: c) This is the end, my only friend, the end.
Anthimeria: Question: What is an example of anthimeria?
a) He googled the answer to his question.
b) The silence spoke volumes.
c) She danced through the night like a dream.
d) We laughed until our sides hurt.
Answer: a) He googled the answer to his question.
Antithesis: Question: Which phrase demonstrates antithesis?
a) Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.
b) Life is a journey, not a destination.
c) To err is human, to forgive divine.
d) The pen is mightier than the sword.
Answer: a) Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.
Paradox: Question: What is an example of paradox?
a) The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
b) I can resist anything except temptation.
c) Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately, it kills all its pupils.
d) Deep down, you’re shallow.
Answer: a) The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
Simile:
Which of the following is an example of a simile?
a) The stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.
b) The moon is a bright lantern in the night sky.
c) The wind whispered secrets through the trees.
d) The sun kissed the horizon goodnight.
Answer: a) The stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.
What figure of speech is used in the phrase “as brave as a lion”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
Answer: a) Simile
Metaphor:
3. Which of the following sentences contains a metaphor?
a) The road stretched out endlessly before them.
b) Her smile was as radiant as the sun.
c) Time is a thief, stealing moments from our lives.
d) The trees danced in the wind.
Answer: c) Time is a thief, stealing moments from our lives.
In the phrase “he’s a night owl,” what is the metaphor comparing the person to?
a) A bird
b) A nocturnal animal
c) Darkness
d) Sleeplessness
Answer: a) A bird
Personification:
5. Which of the following sentences uses personification?
a) The flowers nodded their heads in the breeze.
b) The river flowed swiftly between the rocks.
c) The mountain stood tall against the horizon.
d) The sun cast long shadows across the field.
Answer: a) The flowers nodded their heads in the breeze.
What figure of speech is used in the phrase “the wind whispered secrets”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
Answer: c) Personification
Hyperbole:
7. Which of the following is an example of hyperbole?
a) It was raining cats and dogs outside.
b) The sea was calm and serene.
c) She was as busy as a bee.
d) The stars shone brightly in the night sky.
Answer: a) It was raining cats and dogs outside.
What figure of speech is used in the phrase “I’ve told you a million times”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
Answer: d) Hyperbole
Alliteration:
9. Which of the following phrases is an example of alliteration?
a) Busy as a bee
b) The big brown bear
c) Jumping for joy
d) Time flies
Answer: b) The big brown bear
What figure of speech is used in the phrase “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Alliteration
Answer: d) Alliteration
Irony:
11. Which of the following statements is an example of verbal irony?
a) “What a beautiful day,” she said as it poured rain outside.
b) “I can’t wait to spend all day at the dentist,” he exclaimed sarcastically.
c) “I love getting stuck in traffic,” he said with genuine enthusiasm.
d) “Winning the lottery would be terrible,” she said with a smile.
Answer: b) “I can’t wait to spend all day at the dentist,” he exclaimed sarcastically.
In the sentence “The fire station burned down,” what type of irony is being used?
a) Verbal irony
b) Dramatic irony
c) Situational irony
d) Sarcasm
Answer: c) Situational irony
Pun:
13. Which of the following sentences contains a pun?
a) Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
b) I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.
c) I’m reading a book on anti-gravity, it’s impossible to put down!
d) I’m on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it.
Answer: b) I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.
What figure of speech is used in the phrase “the bicycle couldn’t stand up because it was two-tired”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Pun
Answer: d) Pun
Alliteration:
15. Which of the following phrases is an example of alliteration?
a) The swift swallow soared silently.
b) The cat chased the mouse.
c) The sun set behind the mountains.
d) She sells seashells by the seashore.
Answer: d) She sells seashells by the seashore.
What is the main purpose of using alliteration in writing or speech?
a) To convey a specific message clearly
b) To create a rhythmic effect and draw attention to certain words or phrases
c) To provide detailed descriptions of characters or settings
d) To emphasize the importance of a particular idea
Answer: b) To create a rhythmic effect and draw attention to certain words or phrases
Hyperbole:
17. Which of the following sentences contains hyperbole?
a) The sunset painted the sky with hues of orange and pink.
b) I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!
c) The flowers swayed gently in the breeze.
d) The river flowed calmly through the valley.
Answer: b) I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!
What is hyperbole used for in writing or speech?
a) To provide accurate and precise descriptions
b) To create vivid and exaggerated images or ideas
c) To express strong emotions or feelings
d) To convey straightforward and literal meanings
Answer: b) To create vivid and exaggerated images or ideas
Hyperbole:
25. Which of the following sentences contains hyperbole?
a) The bag weighed a ton.
b) The river flowed gently through the valley.
c) She was as brave as a lion.
d) The stars twinkled in the night sky.
Answer: a) The bag weighed a ton.
What is the primary purpose of using hyperbole in writing or speech?
a) To provide literal and straightforward meanings
b) To create humor or exaggerate for effect
c) To convey complex emotions or feelings
d) To emphasize the importance of specific ideas or concepts
Answer: b) To create humor or exaggerate for effect
