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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. Words whose sounds mimic their meaning - buzz - woof






2. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






3. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






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






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






6. A verb acting as a noun - usually 'ing' form of the verb






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






8. Short narrative of an amusing - unusual - revealing or interesting event






9. One of many conjunctive adverbs






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






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






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






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






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






15. A reference to something in culture - history or literature that expands the depth of the text that allows the reader to make a 'connection'






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






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






18. Expressly stated






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






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






21. Essay that presents information about two or more things - events - or ideas in order to compare them






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






23. 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)






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






25. Type of faulty reasoning in which the writer attempts to support a statement by repeating the statement in different or stronger language






26. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






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






29. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






30. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






32. A saying or expression that proposes to tell the truth






33. One of many prepositions






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






35. (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






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






37. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






39. 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






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






41. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






43. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






44. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






45. An error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence






46. An exception to a proposed general rule






47. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






49. The claim or point that the writer is making






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