Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

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What does the term "allusion" mean?

  1. A literal statement

  2. A direct citation

  3. An indirect reference

  4. A detailed description

The correct answer is: An indirect reference

The term "allusion" refers to an indirect reference to a person, event, or literary work that is not explicitly mentioned. This form of reference relies on the audience's familiarity with the subject being alluded to, allowing for a deeper meaning or connection beyond the text. Allusions can enrich a work by drawing on cultural, historical, or literary knowledge, enhancing the reader's understanding or emotional response. The other options given relate to different concepts in writing and communication: a literal statement refers to a direct expression without embellishments, a direct citation involves explicitly quoting another work or author, and a detailed description provides in-depth information about a subject. None of these accurately capture the essence of an allusion, which is characterized by its indirectness.