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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 concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






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






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






4. Consists of a single independent clause






5. The verb and its object and modifiers






6. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






7. An exception to a proposed general rule






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






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






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






11. A speaker directly addresses something or someone not living - that cannot answer back






12. Essay that presents information in order of importance - either most important to least important or vice versa






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






14. A figure of speech






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






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






17. Expressly stated






18. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






20. The work is narrated by the person 'I' - who can also be the protagonist - omniscient speaker. There can be multiple narrators of the same work






21. 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






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






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






24. Essay that presents information about the causes of some known or likely outcome - how different causes contribute to the outcome






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






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






27. The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal form; seeing things as they could be






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






29. A comic tool of satire - ridiculous exaggeration or distortion






30. Abab cdcd efef gg






31. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






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






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






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






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






36. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






37. The perspective from which a story is written






38. Opposing point of view






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






40. A preference or inclination - especially one that inhibits impartial judgment






41. (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






42. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






43. An example that is particularly apt for the situation at hand






44. Reasoning by which a general statement is reached on the basis of particular examples






45. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






46. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






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






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






50. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy