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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. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






3. The opposite of an idea used to emphasize a point






4. A phrase that refers to a person or object by a single important feature - ie 'the pen is mightier than the sword'






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






6. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






7. One of many conjunctive adverbs






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






9. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






10. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






11. (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






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






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






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






15. 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)






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






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






18. Expressed of direct address - i.e. 'Sit - Bettina - sit!'






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






20. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






22. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






23. A narrative or description with a secondary or symbolic meaning underlying the literal meaning






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






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






26. An exception to a proposed general rule






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






28. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






29. Essay that presents information in order of occurrence - or sequence of events






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






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






32. A phrase that refers to a person or object by single important feature of that person or object






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






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






35. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






36. 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






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






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






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






40. A metaphor using 'like' or 'as' in the comparison






41. An attack on an opposing view to weaken - invalidate - or make it less credible






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






43. A figure of speech






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






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






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






47. 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






48. Vowel rhyme






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






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