ISAAC ASIMOV’S SUPER QUIZ

Take this Super Quiz to a PhD. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the PhD Level.

SUBJECT: RHETORICAL DEVICES

What word is used for the figure of speech defined and illustrated? (eg, A humorous play on words. A boiled egg is hard to beat. Answer: Pun.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. A type of comparison suggesting a likeness. His heart was broken.

2. Giving human elements to non-human things. The valley spread its arms.

3. Repetition of similar sounds. She sat on the bench by the babbling brook.

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. A seemingly contradictory statement that makes sense. The only constant is change.

5. A comparison of similarities. As busy as a bee.

6. Two opposite words together. Jumbo shrimp.

PHD LEVEL

7. A word that is an imitation of the sound. The sausages sizzled

8. An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. My feet are killing me.

9. Using irony to mock someone. Oh yeah, he’s a great guy, who lies a lot.

ANSWERS, MONDAY MARCH 25:

1. Dining table (dinner table). 2. Pool table or billiards table. 3. Coffee table. 4. End table (side table). 5. Dressing table (vanity table). 6. Multiplication table. 7. Periodic table. 8. Round table. 9. Under the table.

SCORING

18 points – congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points – honours graduate; 10 to 14 points – you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points – you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points – enrol in remedial courses immediately; 0 point – who reads the questions to you?