Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is a simile in the context of poetry?

1. A comparison using "like" or "as"

2. A type of stanza

3. A rhythm scheme

4. A form of alliteration

The correct answer is: A comparison using "like" or "as"

A simile is defined as a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things by using "like" or "as" to highlight a particular quality or characteristic they share. This technique enriches poetry by allowing the reader to draw vivid mental images and connections, enhancing the emotional impact of the words. For instance, saying "her smile was like sunshine" evokes a warm, bright image that deepens the understanding of the smile's effect. In contrast, other options refer to different concepts within poetry. A type of stanza refers to the organization of lines within a poem, which does not involve any comparison. A rhythm scheme pertains to the structured pattern of sounds in a poem, focusing on the auditory experience, while a form of alliteration involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, creating a musical quality, but it does not involve comparisons like similes do. Understanding similes helps in appreciating how poets convey emotions and meanings through effective imagery.