Question

Read the excerpt from a speech.

As I bit into the pepper, a wonderful flavor filled my mouth, and I took another huge bite. Then, almost out of nowhere, a tingling feeling started in my throat. It spread to my tongue and became a shooting pain, as if I were being poked with a thousand tiny needles. Another minute went by, and my lips started to feel puffy and numb. My mouth was on fire. I felt like it would burst into flames at any moment and smoke would start coming out of my nose.

Which statement best explains the effect of the similes?

They emphasize the type and extent of the pain from the pepper.
They contrast the speaker with smoke and flames..
They compare the peppers to tiny needles.

Answer 1

They emphasize the type and extent of the pain from the pepper.

Explanation: The similes ("poked with a thousand tiny needles," "felt like it would burst into flames") create vivid sensory images that show how intense and painful the burning sensation was.