Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is an example of an alliteration?

1. A poetic rhyme scheme

2. A phrase with two or more words that begin with the same letter

3. A figure of speech

4. A repetition of a sound

The correct answer is: A phrase with two or more words that begin with the same letter

An alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of multiple words in a phrase or sentence. While alliteration can be used in many forms, an alliterative phrase is a specific type of alliteration where two or more words in a phrase begin with the same sound. This distinguishes it from the other answer choices a poetic rhyme scheme is a different literary device, a figure of speech encompasses many different techniques, and a repetition of a sound is a general definition that could apply to several different figures of speech. Therefore, B is the best answer as it provides a specific and accurate example of an alliteration.