Directions (For the next five items): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow, keeping in mind the contents of the passage alone :
Passage:-
Africa is on the move. At least 20 million (i) __________ live outside the continent, a three-fold increase since 1990. Europe accounts for about half of African (ii) __________ outside Africa, but its share has steadily declined since 1990. America, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have all seen surges in their African-born populations. It may seem otherworldly to predict that this will continue, given the fierce backlash against (iii) __________ across the West. Notwithstanding pushback, African (iv) __________ is an unstoppable force that will long outlast today's populists and help define the 21st century. Demography is one cause. It is well-known that in the developed world the number of people of working age will decline, exacerbating labour shortages. What is less widely appreciated is that emerging countries that are associated with exporting people, such as Mexico and the Philippines, are also getting older and the richer — meaning smaller shares of their populations will, in future, wish to emigrate in search of work. I
Africa, by contrast, the working-age population is forecast to increase by around 700 million people by 2050. Another cause is economics. Many African countries are entering a phase in their development in which people are still poor enough to wish to leave but, for the first time, rich enough to be able to travel long distances. African countries create only around a fifth of the number of formal jobs required to absorb their expanding workforce.
To determine the figure of speech in the expression "Africa is on the move," we need to analyze the meaning and context of the phrase.
- Understanding Personification: This figure of speech involves giving human traits, qualities, or actions to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or abstract ideas. In this expression, "Africa," which is a continent, is described as "on the move," a characteristic typically associated with living beings implying progress or action.
- Analyzing Irony: Irony is the use of words where the meaning is opposite to their literal sense. There is no element in the expression that implies a contradiction or opposite meaning.
- Considering Anthropomorphism: Similar to personification but involves ascribing human characteristics or behaviors more literally, often used for animals or deities. Since "Africa" is not a being, it does not fit anthropomorphism.
- Examining Antithesis: Antithesis juxtaposes two contrasting ideas. This expression does not present contrasting concepts; it describes a singular action or idea.
- Given these explanations, the most accurate figure of speech is Personification, as the phrase attributes motion to the continent of Africa, effectively describing its socio-economic progress and dynamic changes.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Personification.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?
What are ice shelves?
What are icebergs?
When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.
The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________
