Test your basic knowledge |

AP English Language And Composition Basics

Subjects : english, ap
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. An appeal based on the character/reputation/ credibility of the speaker.






2. A vagueness of meaning; a conscious lack of clarity meant to evoke multiple meanings or interpretations.






3. A detailed analysis or interpretation of a work of prose or poetry.






4. An excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability - importance - wit - etc.






5. A comedy that contains an extravagant and nonsensical disregard of seriousness - although it may have a serious - scornful purpose.






6. A mild or less negative usage for a harsh or blunt term.






7. A sentence that states the topic of its paragraph






8. A character or force in a work of literature that - by opposing the protagonist - produces tension or conflict.






9. An incorrect belief or supposition based on faulty data - defective evidence - false information - or flawed logic.






10. A narrative poem that tells of the adventures and exploits of a hero.






11. An appeal based on logic or reason






12. Literally - 'seize the day'; 'enjoy life while you can -' a common theme in life and literature.






13. A method of reasoning by which specific definitions - conclusions - and theorems are drawn from general principles.






14. A grotesque or exaggerated likeness of striking qualities in persons and things.






15. One who expects and observes nothing but the worst of human conduct.






16. Having an instructive purpose; intending to convey information or teach a lesson - usually in a dry - pompous manner.






17. The interpretation or analysis of a text.






18. The background and events that lead to the presentation of the main idea or purpose of an essay or other work; setting forth the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing or discourse.






19. Study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking)






20. Representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature






21. A mild - indirect - or vague term substituting for a harsh - blunt - or offensive term






22. A brief explanation - summary - or evaluation of a text or work of literature.






23. A term for the title character of a work of literature.






24. Three periods (...)indicating the omission of words in a thought or quotation.






25. A matter discussed in the first person has this






26. To prove a point or to persuade






27. A locution that addresses a person or personified thing not present.






28. Literally - 'talking around' a subject; i.e. - discourse that avoids direct reference to a subject.






29. In literature - the use of an artificial device or gimmick to solve a problem.






30. The dictionary definition of a word.






31. A forceful sermon - lecture - or tirade.






32. Occurs when the outcome of a work is unexpected - or events turn out to be the opposite from what one had expected






33. A term used to describe literary forms - such as novel - play - and essay.






34. Substituting the name of one object for another object closely associated with it






35. A statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said






36. A short - pithy statement of a generally accepted truth or sentiment.






37. A French term for the world of books - criticism - and literature in general.






38. Something - generally a clue - intended to distract or mislead from the original issue/question.






39. The high point - or turning point - of a story or play.






40. Grating - inharmonious sounds.






41. A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion - make a point - or evoke humor






42. The choice of words in oral and written discourse.






43. A leture or sermon on a religious or moral theme meant to guide human behavior.






44. A structure that provides a premise or setting for a narrative or other discourse.






45. A list of works cited or otherwise relevant to a particular subject.






46. A concise but ingenious - witty - and thoughtful statement.






47. Conjoining contradictory terms (as in 'deafening silence')






48. The unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar






49. (refers to the use of verbs) A verb is in this when it expresses an action performed by its subject. Stylistically - this leads to more economical and vigorous writing.






50. In contrast to Bionysian - it refers to the most noble - godlike qualities of human nature and behavior.