A pseudonym is a made-up name that a writer uses, instead of his or her real name, on his or her published work. Which of the following situations is the best example of a pseudonym?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Kavya Menon writes stories for the school magazine, and they are printed under the name ‘Night Owl’.
A pseudonym has three parts: it is a made-up name, it is used instead of the writer’s real name, and it appears on published work.
In Option (2) ‘Night Owl’ is a made-up name, it replaces Kavya Menon, and it appears on stories printed in the school magazine. All three parts are present.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Kavya Menon writes stories for the school magazine, and they are printed under the name ‘Kavya Menon’. — Incorrect. The stories carry her real name, not a made-up one.
Option (3) Kavya Menon’s friends call her ‘Kavu’ at home and in class. — Incorrect. ‘Kavu’ is a nickname used by friends; it is not used on any published work.
Option (4) Kavya Menon writes a diary that nobody else reads, and signs each page ‘Night Owl’. — Incorrect. The diary is not published; nobody else reads it.