English Language

Literary Genres and Devices

2,842 Questions

Literary genres and devices questions test the ability to identify plot elements, figure of speech types, and character motivations across various texts. Topics range from low fantasy and graphic novels to neoclassical literature characteristics. These form a core component of English language testing.

Figure of SpeechPlot ElementsCharacter MotivationGraphic NovelsNeoclassical LiteratureLiterary Imagery

Literary Genres and Devices Questions

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Which of the following are not related to the setting of a story? 

  1. Where the story took place

  2. At what time of day the story took place

  3. Who were the main characters involved with

  4. What was the climate like
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The setting of a story is the environment, location and the time in which the story takes place. Therefore options A, B and C are related to the setting of a story.

As can be understood from above, option C is the correct answer because who the main characters were involved with does not relate to the environment, place or time of a story. 

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

In any story, the characters should be realistic. How would you do this?

  1. By making all the characters flawed

  2. By writing only about real people

  3. By making each character speak at least one dialogue

  4. By showing the strengths and weaknesses of the characters
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Realistic characters are multi-dimensional, meaning they possess both strengths and weaknesses. Flaws make characters relatable and human, while strengths provide depth and capability.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

When the setting is not essential for the story or plot, it is called a ___________ setting. 

  1. Unimportant

  2. Backdrop

  3. Integral

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A backdrop setting is one that is not essential to the plot; the story could take place in many different locations without changing the core events. An integral setting, conversely, is vital to the story's development.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

You are writing a story. You plan to create characters who are poor yet happy. 
Which of the following would be a suitable setting for your story?

  1. A farm

  2. A seaside villa

  3. A forest

  4. An island
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A farm is a traditional setting that aligns with themes of simplicity, hard work, and connection to nature, which are often associated with stories about characters who find happiness despite poverty.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

The type of setting which influences the plot, characters or theme of the story is called a/an _________ setting. 

  1. integral

  2. backdrop

  3. background

  4. Setting cannot affect the theme
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An integral setting is one that actively shapes the plot, characters, or theme. It is not merely a background but a necessary component of the narrative structure.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Which of the following is not an element of the setting?

  1. Weather and climate

  2. Time of year

  3. Time of war

  4. Language spoken by characters
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The setting of a story is the time, environment and geographical location within the narrative. Therefore, Options A, B and C are vital elements of the setting for a story.

Option D is the correct answer as the language spoken by characters is not connected to the time, environment or location of a story. Hence option D is not an element of the setting. 

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

You are writing a story. You plan to create characters who are strict, reserved, and highly educated.
Which of the following would be a suitable setting for your story?

  1. A castle in the 17th century.

  2. A railway station

  3. An old mansion

  4. A factory warehouse
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

An old mansion often carries connotations of history, formality, and isolation, which fits well with characters who are described as strict, reserved, and highly educated.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

What is the framework of a story called?

  1. Moral

  2. Structure

  3. Title

  4. Theme
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Moral is the inherent message contained in the story. Readers can deduce it only after going through the full story.
Structure is the framework of a story, the first raw draft the author creates.
Title is the first impression of the story. The readers tend to associate themselves with any text first through the title.
Theme is like a genre like horror, comic, sentimental etc.

Thus, Option B is correct.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

You are writing a story. You plan to create a character who is rich and feared.
Which of the following would be a suitable setting for your story?

  1. An office building

  2. A small coffee shop

  3. A stately mansion

  4. A school
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Character who is rich and feared is usually found in the setting of stately mansion as it shows a noble, aristocratic ambiance. Therefore option C is the most suitable answer

Whereas option A shows an official setting where employees work; option B is a place for a friendly meet; and option D is a place where education is provided to children.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

Which of the following does not help create a celebratory mood for a story?

  1. Balloons

  2. Colourful banners

  3. Dim lights

  4. Many people
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A celebratory mood is always facilitated by balloons, cheerfulness, colourful banners and many people. Therefore, option C is the least helpful element of this mood as dim lights create a sombre or bleak mood.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

What kind of literary device is the following:

"A long time ago, in a kingdom far far away, there lived a king and queen who wished for a child."

  1. Satire

  2. Imagery

  3. Exposition

  4. Personification
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition is a literary device used to introduce background information or a backstory of a character or plot.

Option C: The given sentence 'a long time ago...' is an introductory sentence that begins a story. It sets the background for the plot. Hence, option C is correct.
Option A: Satire is the use of humour or irony to ridicule someone's vices.
Option B: 'Imagery' is the 'visually descriptive or figurative language' that makes a scene more vivid and live to a reader.
Option D: Personification is adds human characteristics to objects, to bring it to life.
These literary devices are not reflected in the given sentence. Hence options A, B and D are wrong.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

What kind of literary device is the following:

Once upon a time, there were three bears. There was a Daddy Bear, who was very big, a Mama Bear, who was middle-sized, and a Baby Bear, who was very small.

  1. Exposition

  2. Euphemism

  3. Metaphor

  4. Anecdote
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

An exposition is a literary device used to introduce background information about a character, an event or a setting.

Option A: The given lines give background information about a story revolving three bears. Hence it's an exposition and option A is correct.
Option B: A euphemism is a polite expression that replaces a more harsh or offensive one.
Option C: A metaphor is a figure of speech that refers to similarities between unrelated things.
Option D: An anecdote is a short or interesting story about an incident or person.
Options B, C and D do not reflect in the given lines. Hence options B, C and D are wrong.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

What does 'characters' of a story mean?

  1. Theme

  2. Events

  3. People

  4. Moral
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Characters are the people involved in a story. Sequence of Events is called the Plot. Moral is the inherent message contained in a story. Theme is the genre in which a story is placed. Hence, Option C is correct.

Multiple choice story and its elements writing english

What is the plot of a story?

  1. sequence of events

  2. people

  3. headline

  4. structure
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Plot of a story is the sequence of events in which the story is framed. The People are the Characters. Headline is the Title. The framework of a story is called its Structure. Hence, option A is correct.

Multiple choice character sketch writing english

Which of the following could best help in writing a character sketch?

  1. the way the character walks

  2. the character's house address

  3. the character's dreams

  4. the character's favorite book
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

"A character sketch is a description made for the purpose of guiding the writer on such assignments as introducing a particular character to the reader in such a way that both the writer and readers can have a quick overview of the character's attributes; including but not limited to physical appearance, idiosyncratic (individual) tendencies in different circumstances, state of mind as shaped by former experiences and how these will affect their future actions."

Option C: As mentioned above, a character can be portrayed best by describing how they think and feel 'state of mind as shaped by former experiences'. The writer describes the character so that the reader can understand it better. One of the ways the character can be portrayed is by describing their dreams, because it reflects their fears, hopes and aspirations.
Hence option C is correct.
Options A, B and D:
'The way the character walks', 'the character's house address' and 'the character's favourite book' do not describe the character in its best possible way. It does not help the reader understand the character. These are external likes and qualities.
Hence these options are wrong.