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






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






3. A word that introduces a subordinate clause - i.e. 'Since you're awake - I'll turn on the radio'






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






5. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






7. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






8. Can be verified






9. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






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






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






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






14. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






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






16. Words whose sounds mimic their meaning - buzz - woof






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






18. A figure of speech






19. Rarely used - the writer uses the pronoun 'you' making the reader an active participant in the work






20. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






22. Opposing point of view






23. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






24. One of many conjunctive adverbs






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






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






27. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






29. Not taking a position






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






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






32. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






33. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






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






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






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






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






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






39. Neoclassical principles of drama






40. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






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






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






44. The main character - usually the hero






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






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






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






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






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






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