Which of the following best exemplifies hyperbole?

Enhance your skills for the NWEA Reading MAP Test. Explore interactive quizzes with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare effectively for your upcoming test!

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or effect. The statement "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse" exemplifies hyperbole because it dramatically exaggerates the speaker's level of hunger. Clearly, it is not physically possible to eat an entire horse, but this expression conveys a strong feeling of hunger in a vivid way.

This use of hyperbole can elicit a humorous or emphatic reaction from the listener. It captures the intensity of the speaker's emotion rather than providing a literal assessment of their hunger. Other statements, while they may also use figurative language, do not carry the same level of exaggerated impact or are more straightforward in their meaning. For instance, saying "The moon is made of cheese" is an imaginative notion but is not a hyperbole in the same sense, as it suggests an impossibility rather than an exaggeration for effect. Similarly, "It’s a small world after all" reflects a common sentiment about the interconnectedness of people rather than employing extreme exaggeration. "She runs faster than the wind" also indicates a speed beyond human capability but is more of a simile than hyperbole, as it compares

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy