Which pair of terms describes two common forms of comparison in literature?

• A. Metaphor and Simile
• B. Idioms and Adages
• C. Informational texts and Cause and Effect
• D. Figurative language and Denotative words

Answer: (A)

Two common forms of comparison in literature are metaphor and simile. A simile explicitly links two unlike things using words like or as to highlight a shared quality, as in “her smile was as bright as the sun.” A metaphor makes a direct equivalence between two things without using like or as, such as “time is a thief.” Both devices create vivid imagery and deeper meaning by showing connections that go beyond literal description.

The other options don’t describe ways of comparing. Idioms and adages are familiar phrases that express common wisdom, not methods of making comparisons. Informational texts and cause-and-effect describe kinds of writing or relationships within a text, not specific comparison techniques. Figurative language and denotative words pair a broad category with literal meaning; figurative language covers many devices, including metaphor and simile, while denotative words refer to their strict dictionary definitions.