PSSA English Language Arts (ELA) Grade 5 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term for the repetition of the initial sound in closely placed words is alliteration. Alliteration is a literary device that creates rhythm and mood in writing, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader. It often appears in poetry, tongue twisters, and brand names, enhancing the text's musical quality. For example, phrases like "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" showcase alliteration through the repeated 'p' sound. This technique not only captures attention but also emphasizes certain themes or ideas within the text.

In contrast, biography refers to a written account of someone's life, which does not involve sound repetition. To compare means to examine the similarities and differences between two or more items, unrelated to sound. An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word, which is also not related to sound patterns. Thus, alliteration is the correct term that specifically addresses the concept of repeated initial sounds in close proximity.