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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 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






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






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






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






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






6. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






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






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






10. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






11. Can be verified






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






13. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






14. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






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






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






17. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






18. Comparison of two things that are similar in several respects in order to prove a point or clarify an idea






19. A derogatory term used to described poorly written poetry of little or no literary value






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






21. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






23. Neoclassical principles of drama






24. To make fun of






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






26. The perspective from which a story is written






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






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






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






30. 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






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






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






33. A phrase or saying that has two meanings - one being sexual or provocative in nature






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






35. An exaggeration or overstatement






36. The commentator does not mean what she writes






37. Something that is implied






38. One of many prepositions






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






40. The pause that breaks a line of Old English verse






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






42. (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






43. A figure of speech






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






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






46. 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






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






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






49. A variety of literary devices i.e. - anaphora - repeating






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