Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What is a metaphor?

1. A figure of speech that uses like or as

2. A comparison stating one thing is another

3. An extreme exaggeration for effect

4. A human trait given to non-human objects

The correct answer is: A comparison stating one thing is another

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things by stating that one thing is another, rather than simply comparing them. This allows for a more vivid and imaginative connection between concepts, enhancing the emotional or intellectual impact of the language. By asserting that "one thing is another," metaphors convey deeper meanings and insights about the subject matter, often helping the reader or listener to visualize or understand an idea in a more relatable way. For example, saying "time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives, conveying a deeper sense of loss than merely saying "time passes quickly." This method of expression can evoke emotions, stimulate the imagination, and encourage readers to draw their own interpretations based on the associations they perceive. The other choices represent different types of figurative language. The first option describes a simile, which uses "like" or "as" to draw comparisons. The third option refers to hyperbole, an intentional exaggeration for dramatic effect. The fourth option defines personification, where human traits are attributed to non-human entities. Each of these figures of speech serves its unique purpose and contributes differently to writing, but they do not encapsulate the essence of what a metaphor is.