Chiasmus, zeugma, metonymy and other named devices

Grade 11 Reading Worksheet

Circle the best answer.

1. 1.

   Four sentences from an invented library newsletter. Luz needs an example of zeugma for a class handout. Which sentence uses zeugma?

   • The front desk answered our questions about the new hours before we asked them.
   • The new librarian opened the doors at nine and, by noon, the town's eyes to what a library could be.
   • Open the doors, open the shelves, open the reading room to the town.
   • The new librarian opened the doors at nine and the windows at noon.

2. Read this first

   Use this

   An invented principal wants the last line of a graduation speech to stick in listeners' minds by turning one idea around. Plain line: You should keep learning after school ends.

3. 2.

   Tala is choosing a closing line for the principal. Which version uses the device that turns the idea around?

   • After you graduate, please make sure that you keep on learning.
   • School taught you to learn; now let learning be your school.
   • Keep learning, keep reading, keep asking, long after school ends.
   • School taught you to learn; now let learning teach you more.
4. 3.

   “Flour flew, ovens roared, bells rang, customers waited.” Jun is labeling the device and its effect in the frame. Which label and effect fit the sentence?

   • Asyndeton: with no “and” between the clauses, the morning feels fast and crowded.
   • Asyndeton: with no “and” between the clauses, the morning feels calm and orderly.
   • Polysyndeton: the repeated “and” makes each task feel heavy and slow.
   • Anaphora: each clause opens with the same word to show the bakery's routine.
5. 4.

   Four sentences from an invented trail crew's newsletter. Pia needs an example of synecdoche for a class handout. Which sentence uses synecdoche?

   • The trail crew needs a dozen more strong backs before the snow comes.
   • The trail crew needs twelve more volunteers before the snow comes.
   • Trail, stay open until the snow comes; we have work to finish.
   • The trail crew heard from the Ranger Station that the north path will close.
6. 5.

   “We do not argue to be heard; we are heard because we argue well.” Milo is labeling the device and its effect in the frame. Which label and effect fit the sentence?

   • Chiasmus: the reversal shows that arguing and being heard have nothing to do with each other.
   • Anaphora: beginning both halves with “we” makes the team sound united.
   • Antithesis: setting arguing against listening shows they are opposites.
   • Chiasmus: “argue … heard” turns into “heard … argue,” so the reversal makes the point memorable.
7. 6.

   Four sentences from an invented account of a paper boat race on a river. Zee needs an example of apostrophe for a class handout. Which sentence uses apostrophe?

   • The boats, the banks, the bridges, the bells: the whole river sang that morning.
   • We hope the river carries the paper boats safely past the old mill.
   • River, carry these paper boats safely past the old mill and on toward the sea.
   • The river carried the paper boats patiently past the old mill.

8. Use this

   An invented columnist wants a light, witty line about a long rehearsal. Plain lines: The conductor raised the baton. The conductor also raised everyone's hopes.

9. 7.

   Kira is choosing a version for the columnist. Which version uses the device that gives the line its wit?

   • The conductor raised the baton and, with it, everyone's hopes.
   • The conductor raised the baton, and everyone grew more hopeful.
   • Raise the baton, raise the music, raise our hopes.
   • The conductor raised the baton and raised the music stand.
10. 8.

    “The pen of a careful reporter can change a town more than a loud meeting can.” Ren is labeling the device and its effect in the frame. Which label and effect fit the sentence?

    • Metonymy: “the pen” stands for writing, so reporters seem weaker than meetings.
    • Synecdoche: “the pen,” a part of the reporter, stands for the whole person.
    • Apostrophe: the editorial speaks to the pen, so readers feel its power.
    • Metonymy: “the pen” stands for writing, so careful words seem stronger than noise.
11. 9.

    Four sentences from an invented hiking club's guide. Esme needs an example of chiasmus for a class handout. Which sentence uses chiasmus?

    • Let the map guide the walk, and let the walk correct the map.
    • Map in hand, boots laced, water packed, we set out.
    • The map was neat and dry, but the walk was long and muddy.
    • Use the map on the walk, and fix the map if it turns out to be wrong.

12. Use this

    An invented speaker wants the close of a library fundraiser speech to build in force. Plain line: The library helps students, readers and families who need a quiet place.

13. 10.

    Noah is choosing a closing line for the speaker. Which version uses the device that builds in force?

    • The library is for students, the library is for readers, the library is for every family that needs a quiet place.
    • Students, readers, families: the library serves them.
    • The library helps students, readers and families who need a quiet place.
    • The library is for students, readers, and it is for families who need a quiet place.