Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

What does a metaphor do in language?

1. Describes a subject using factual comparisons

2. Describes a subject by asserting it is similar to another otherwise unrelated object

3. Provides a historical context for comparison

4. Relates an event to its geographical implications

The correct answer is: Describes a subject by asserting it is similar to another otherwise unrelated object

A metaphor is a figurative language tool that enhances writing and speech by describing one thing as if it were another, creating an implicit comparison between two unrelated subjects. This technique allows for a deeper understanding of the qualities or characteristics of the subject being described, enriching the text and evoking images or emotions in the reader's mind. By asserting that one thing is the same as another, metaphors draw connections that can illuminate aspects of the subject that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, calling someone a "night owl" conveys not just a description of their nighttime habits but also connotes traits such as being more active or lively during those hours. The other options propose different concepts. Factual comparisons focus on actuality and objective attributes, while providing historical context or geographical implications involves analysis rather than direct metaphorical comparison. Metaphors, specifically, rely on imaginative connections rather than strict factual or contextual analysis.