Which of the following is an example of onomatopoeia?

Study for the PSSA English Language Arts Test for Grade 5. Improve skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare efficiently for your test!

Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate the natural sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. The word "buzz" is a perfect example of onomatopoeia because it mimics the sound made by bees and other insects when they fly. This type of word draw attention to the sound itself and enhances the imagery in writing by allowing readers to hear the noise in their mind.

In contrast, "bark" describes the sound made by a dog, but it is less evocative than "buzz," which suggests a specific and distinct sound. "Whisper" depicts a manner of speaking softly, and while it indicates sound, it doesn't mimic that sound directly. "Shout" conveys a loud vocalization, similarly to "bark," in that it describes an action without replicating the sound. The unique quality of "buzz" lies in its ability to bring the sound into the reader's consciousness, which is the defining characteristic of onomatopoeia.

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