Prepare for the NES English Language Arts (ELA) (301) Exam with our comprehensive study guide featuring concise flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Master the ELA content and enhance your test readiness with our expert resources.

Multiple Choice

Which figure of speech gives human traits to nonhuman things?

Giving human traits to nonhuman things is a figure of speech called personification. It helps writers create vivid, relatable imagery by describing objects, animals, or ideas as if they could think, feel, or act like people. For example, "The wind whispered through the trees" or "The sun smiled down on us" use human actions or feelings to bring scenes to life. This is why personification is the best fit for the question. Allusion is a reference to someone or something else, not about traits being given to nonhuman things. An oxymoron combines opposite terms like "jumbo shrimp," which is about contrast, not person-like qualities. A paradox presents a self-contradictory statement that may reveal truth, rather than attributing human qualities to something nonhuman.

Giving human traits to nonhuman things is a figure of speech called personification. It helps writers create vivid, relatable imagery by describing objects, animals, or ideas as if they could think, feel, or act like people. For example, "The wind whispered through the trees" or "The sun smiled down on us" use human actions or feelings to bring scenes to life. This is why personification is the best fit for the question.

Allusion is a reference to someone or something else, not about traits being given to nonhuman things. An oxymoron combines opposite terms like "jumbo shrimp," which is about contrast, not person-like qualities. A paradox presents a self-contradictory statement that may reveal truth, rather than attributing human qualities to something nonhuman.