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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. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






3. Comparison of two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea






4. Helping verb (often be - have - or do) - i.e. 'I am working on it'






5. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






7. Essay that presents information about two or more things - events - or ideas in order to compare them






8. The speaker - author - or narrator's attitude toward a person - place - idea - or thing






9. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






10. To place side by side in order to show similarities or differences






11. A reference to something in culture - history or literature that expands the depth of the text that allows the reader to make a 'connection'






12. Verb in present tense - 'Bettina plays with children'






13. Imagined - even while it may possess truthful elements - it cannot be verified






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






15. Consists or two or more simple sentences joined by a common and coordinating conjunction - or by a semicolon






16. The assigning of human attributes - such as emotions or physical characteristics - to nonhumans - usually plants or animals. Differs from personification in that it is a pattern applied to a nonhuman character throughout the entire literary work






17. Essay that presents information in order of specificity - beginning with a general theme and focuses on a specific topic of interest - often the 5 paragraph essay






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






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






20. (1) a short poetic nickname; (2) a term used to describe the name or title of a person -ie 'The Great Emancipator' for Abraham Lincoln; (3) an abusive slur






21. The main character - usually the hero






22. A line of iambic hexameter; the final line of a Spenserian stanza is alexandrine






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






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






25. A figure of speech in the form of a question posed for persuasive effect without the expectation of a reply






26. The perspective from which a story is written






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






28. Knowledge based on experience or observation - the view that experience - especially of the senses - is the only source of knowledge






29. A type of literature that exposes idiocy - corruption - or other human folly - through humor - exaggeration - irony






30. A thing - idea - or person that stands for something else






31. Basically an 'either or' situation - typically a moral decision






32. An explosion of harsh language that usually vilifies or condemns an idea






33. Open - honest communication






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






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






36. Expressly stated






37. 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






38. To give human attributes or qualities to something nonliving or nonhuman






39. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






40. A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






41. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






43. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






44. A figure of speech






45. Clever use of language to amuse the reader - but more to make a point






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






47. Opposing point of view






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






49. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






50. A formula of deductive argument that consists of 3 propositions - the major premise - minor premise - and conclusion