Question

The following sentence is an example of ______.
The owl hooted in the evening.
a. Exclamation
b. Repetition
c. Onomatopoeia
d. Irony

Answer 1

Hint: Figure of speech is an intentional deviation from ordinary language or it is a word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition.

Complete answer:
Figures of speech in English are: simile, metaphor, personification, apostrophe, personification, irony and etc. are used to convey the meaning other than the literal meaning.
Option A) Exclamation – is an incorrect answer because an exclamation is also known as interjection. An exclamation expresses strong emotions, such as surprise, pleasure or anger. And in writing they are usually followed by an exclamation sign (!) instead of full stop (.). For example: I got the concert tickets! The owl hooted is not a part of exclamation and this figure of speech is not mentioned in the sentence. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Repetition – is an incorrect answer because repetition involves words that are intentionally used in a word or phrase for effect of two or more times in a speech or in written work. For example: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Repetition is often used in poetry or songs to create a rhythm. However, owl hooting does belong to this part of speech. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Onomatopoeia – is the correct answer because onomatopoeia refers to the real or actual sound of the things they refer to. Onomatopoeia uses real words, made up words or letters used to represent raw sound. For example: babble, splash, mumble, slam and etc. We can hear these sounds as we read. Thus, this is the correct answer because hooted intimates the sound of the owl in the sentence. Thus, this part of speech is the correct answer.
Option D) Irony – Is an incorrect answer because irony is a contrast between what is said and what is meant. For example: A marriage counsellor files for divorce, a fire station burns down. Hooting of an owl is not an example of irony. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
Figure of speech is a means of expressing one's thoughts and emotions by adding intensity to the words used in it. It is a rhetorical way of speaking or telling the uses of words in a distinctive way. And figure of speech also indicates the method of communication. For example: the use of figure of speech in the sentences:
1: Happy birthday, Rohan! – Exclamation (exclamation is a figure of speech that is used in this sentence).
2: Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain – repetition (repetition is a figure of speech that is used in this sentence).
3: The wolves howled at the moon – Onomatopoeia (Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech that is used in the sentence).
4: Our luxury hotel turned out to be a farm building – irony (irony is a figure of speech that is used in the sentence).