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






2. A derogatory term used to described poorly written poetry of little or no literary value






3. Referring to local custom or sayings; regional language or behavior






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






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






6. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






7. Example - this white wine goes well with this fish






8. Refined taste - tact - the ability to avoid distress or embarrassment






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






10. Understatement created through double negative






11. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






12. That which comes before; the antecedent of a pronoun is the noun to which the pronoun refers






13. 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






14. List of details that reinforces a concept






15. Language that is not meant to be taken literally - such as metaphor - simile - personification - metonymy






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






17. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






19. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






20. The commentator does not mean what she writes






21. Third-person narrator tells another's story using third-person pronouns






22. A word that introduces a subordinate clause - i.e. 'Since you're awake - I'll turn on the radio'






23. Essay that presents information about a problem followed by a description of one or more solutions






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






25. A rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable - i.e. know and snow






26. Something that is implied






27. To move off point






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






29. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






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






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






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






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






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






36. A figure of speech in which sharply contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in a balanced or parallel phrase or grammatical structure - i.e. 'to err is human; to forgive - divine'






37. A humorous imitation of an original text meant to ridicule - often used in satire






38. The main character who opposes the protagonist - usually the villain






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






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






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






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






43. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






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






45. Abab cdcd efef gg






46. Expressly stated






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






48. Language chosen by the writer






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






50. A figure of speech