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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. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






2. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






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






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






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






7. A group of words acting as a noun - i.e. 'Playing the guitar is extremely difficult'






8. To move off point






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






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






11. Quiet reflection upon a topic






12. The commentator does not mean what she writes






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






14. List of details that reinforces a concept






15. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






16. One of many prepositions






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






18. Open - honest communication






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






20. One of many subordinating conjunctions






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






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






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






24. Neoclassical principles of drama






25. Rarely used - the writer uses the pronoun 'you' making the reader an active participant in the work






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






27. Main idea of an essay - what the writer hope to prove is true






28. Words that mean the opposite of their literal meaning - i.e. 'how wonderful that you wrecked your car!'






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






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






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






32. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






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






35. Acronym for basic elements of nonfictional text - speaker - occasion - audience - purpose - subject - tone






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






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






38. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






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






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






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






42. Something that is implied






43. A figure of speech






44. 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'






45. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






46. 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'






47. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






49. The perspective from which a story is written






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