Which figure of speech compares two unlike things and is usually signaled by the words "like" or "as"?

The choice of simile as the correct answer is justified because this figure of speech explicitly compares two unlike things by using the words "like" or "as." For example, when someone says "as brave as a lion," they are illustrating bravery by comparing it directly to a lion, highlighting the qualities of both entities in a way that is easy to understand.

Similes are effective in descriptive writing because they create vivid imagery, allowing readers to make connections between disparate ideas or concepts. This enhances comprehension and engagement by enabling the audience to visualize the traits being conveyed. In poetry and everyday language, similes serve as a powerful tool for conveying emotions and characteristics in a relatable way.

Other figures of speech mentioned, such as metaphor, analogy, and hyperbole, serve different purposes. A metaphor also compares two things, but it does so without using "like" or "as," presenting one thing as if it is another. An analogy explains a complex idea through comparison, but often involves more elaborate reasoning. Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements for emphasis or effect, rather than direct comparison. Thus, the uniqueness of similes lies in their straightforward and vivid comparisons using those specific signal words.