Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Which term refers to a reference made to a well-known person, place, or event?

1. Allusion

2. Soliloquy

3. Analogy

4. Monologue

The correct answer is: Allusion

The correct term that refers to a reference made to a well-known person, place, or event is an allusion. Allusion is a literary device where authors make indirect references to figures from history, literature, mythology, or popular culture, relying on the reader's familiarity with those references to convey deeper meaning or context. For example, if a character in a story mentions "crossing the Rubicon," it alludes to Julius Caesar's decision that marked a point of no return, thereby enriching the narrative with historical significance. In contrast, a soliloquy involves a character speaking their thoughts aloud, typically when alone on stage, which serves to reveal inner emotions but does not primarily focus on references to external concepts. An analogy is a comparison between two different things for the purpose of explanation or clarification, highlighting similarities but not involving references to notable figures or events. A monologue is a lengthy speech by a single character, often addressing an audience, but does not inherently involve alluding to well-known entities.