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






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






3. 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






4. Consists of a single independent clause






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






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






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






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






9. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






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






12. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






13. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






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






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






16. The main character - usually the hero






17. The verb and its object and modifiers






18. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






19. Language that is not meant to be taken literally - such as metaphor - simile - personification - metonymy






20. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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. (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






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






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






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






26. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






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






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






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






31. One of many subordinating conjunctions






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






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






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






35. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






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






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






39. Opposing point of view






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






41. A comparison of two unlike things in order to show or more clearly or in a new way






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






43. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






47. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






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