Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which term describes words that imitate sounds?

1. Oxymoron

2. Paradox

3. Onomatopoeia

4. Parable

The correct answer is: Onomatopoeia

The choice of onomatopoeia is indeed the accurate term that pertains to words imitating sounds. Onomatopoeia involves words that phonetically mimic or resemble the sounds they describe. Common examples include words like "buzz," "hiss," and "clang." These words create a sensory connection for the reader by evoking the sounds associated with their meanings, enhancing the imagery and auditory experience within a text. In contrast, oxymoron refers to a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction, such as "deafening silence." Paradox also deals with seemingly contradictory ideas but emphasizes a truth that emerges despite the contradiction, like "less is more." Lastly, a parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, lacking any relationship to sound imitation. Thus, onomatopoeia stands out as the term specifically focused on sound imitation.