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CLEP College Composition

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. The official 'headquarters' of a state or nation - its actual location or area






2. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






3. The use of parallel elements in sentences or in the structure of an essay or prose passage ie - essay consisting of 4 paragraphs - each beginning with a question followed by the answer






4. The pause that breaks a line of Old English verse






5. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






6. To make fun of






7. 'ed' form of a verb - 'Bettina played with the children'






8. An event or experience that causes disappointment because it is less exciting than what was expected






9. The metaphor forms the basis for the entire work - extends throughout the work or passage






10. Further information about the subject (predicate must contain the verb)






11. Third person narrator sees and knows all without constraints of time - space. Can digress into contemplative or philosophical forays - often voicing the viewpoint of the author (mostly found in fiction)






12. Humorous or ironic statement not meant to be taken literally






13. A comparison of two unlike things in order to show or more clearly or in a new way






14. Lines rhymed by their final two syllables - i.e. running and gunning






15. Short narrative of an amusing - unusual - revealing or interesting event






16. The commentator does not mean what she writes






17. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






18. Opposing point of view






19. The verb and its object and modifiers






20. Refers to the way the writer lets readers know what will be discussed - a framing statement gives the reader some sense of what to expect






21. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






22. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






23. The juxtaposition of incongruous or conflicting ideas that reveals a truth or insight






24. Type of faulty reasoning in which the writer attempts to support a statement by repeating the statement in different or stronger language






25. Referring to phrases that suggest an interplay of the senses - ie 'hot pink' or 'golden voice'






26. Condemn by seeming to offer praise - ie 'well - I could not have done better myself'






27. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






28. To write around a subject - evasively - say nothing






29. A short quotation or verse that precedes text that sets the tone or provides a setting






30. Saying less than is warranted by the situation in order to emphasize reality






31. Words whose sounds mimic their meaning - buzz - woof






32. Verb used to express conditional or counterfactual statements - i.e. 'If I were rich'






33. Essay pattern in which the writer shows the immediate and underlying causes that led to an event or situation






34. The perspective from which a story is written






35. A verb acting as a noun - usually 'ing' form of the verb






36. A figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect - i.e. 'random order'






37. A verb used for issuing commands - 'Do it now!'






38. Consists of a single independent clause






39. Ideas or things that can mean many things to many people - such as peace - honor






40. One of many subordinating conjunctions






41. A type of poem that takes the form of a lament for the dead sung by a shepherd






42. A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting






43. The rhythm of phrases or sentences created through repetitive elements






44. Open - honest communication






45. A kind or more gentle word to dilute the meaning in order to evade responsibility for a more disturbing word - i.e. 'passed on' instead of 'died'






46. To illustrate how a claim can be true in some ways and false in others






47. Repetition of the same consonant two or more times in short succession






48. A phrase or saying that has two meanings - one being sexual or provocative in nature






49. Appearing in episodes - a long string of short individual scenes






50. An error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence