Which literary term describes language or writing that exposes follies or abuses by holding them up to ridicule?

The correct answer is satire, which is a genre or technique that employs humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, societal norms, or institutions. Satire is often used as a vehicle for social commentary, aiming to highlight follies and abuses in a way that prompts reflection or change.

For example, Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" employs satire to address issues of poverty and colonialism in Ireland by suggesting an absurd solution to provoke thought and discussion.

Hyperbole, while it involves exaggeration, does not necessarily include the critical or mocking elements that characterize satire. Allegory uses symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons but does not focus specifically on ridicule. Exposition refers to the introduction of background information in a narrative, which is not aligned with the purpose of ridicule or critique inherent in satire.