Test your basic knowledge |

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. Opposing point of view






2. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






4. List of details that reinforces a concept






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






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






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






8. Information distributed to promote a specific cause usually of a biased or misleading nature






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






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






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






12. An explanatory reference at the bottom of a page of text






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






14. To give human attributes or qualities to something nonliving or nonhuman






15. ... - used to indicate omission of words or letters






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






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






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






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






20. The work is narrated using a name or third person pronoun ie - he - she - etc.






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






22. One of many subordinating conjunctions






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






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






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






26. 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






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






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






29. Open - honest communication






30. An exception to a proposed general rule






31. 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






32. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






33. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






34. Something that is implied






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






36. A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






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






38. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






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






40. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






41. The commentator does not mean what she writes






42. Can be verified






43. To move off point






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






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






46. The verb and its object and modifiers






47. Consists of a single independent clause






48. Not taking a position






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






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