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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. The main character - usually the hero






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






3. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






5. The use of parallel elements in sentences or in the structure of an essay or prose passage ie - essay consisting of 4 paragraphs - each beginning with a question followed by the answer






6. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






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






9. Vowel rhyme






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






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






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






13. The verb and its object and modifiers






14. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






15. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






16. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






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






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






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






20. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






22. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






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






25. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






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






27. Abab cdcd efef gg






28. An event or experience that causes disappointment because it is less exciting than what was expected






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






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






31. 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'






32. Quality in literature that appeals to the audience's emotions






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






34. The commentator does not mean what she writes






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






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






37. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






38. Open - honest communication






39. Expressly stated






40. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






42. Vague - not easily defined






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






44. Consists of a single independent clause






45. 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






46. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






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






48. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






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