Which literary technique involves using humor and word play to engage students?

The correct answer is puns, as they specifically involve humor and wordplay, making them an effective literary technique to engage students. Puns play on the multiple meanings of words or similar-sounding words and can create witty and humorous interpretations of language. This technique can capture students' attention, making learning more enjoyable and memorable.

Using puns in the classroom can stimulate critical thinking and creativity as students explore the nuances of language. They also encourage an appreciation for the playful aspects of word usage, which can enhance vocabulary development. By incorporating puns into lessons, educators can establish a lively environment that promotes interaction and enthusiasm among students.

Other literary techniques, such as metaphor, allegory, and personification, serve different purposes. Metaphors create comparisons between unrelated things to highlight similarities, allegories convey deeper moral or political meanings through symbolic storytelling, and personification gives human traits to non-human entities, enriching descriptions and emotional connections. While these techniques are valuable in literature and teaching, they do not primarily focus on humor and wordplay in the way puns do.