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






2. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






4. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






5. Open - honest communication






6. The official 'headquarters' of a state or nation - its actual location or area






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






8. A kind or more gentle word to dilute the meaning in order to evade responsibility for a more disturbing word - i.e. 'passed on' instead of 'died'






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






10. 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






11. Consists or two or more simple sentences joined by a common and coordinating conjunction - or by a semicolon






12. Consists of a single independent clause






13. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






15. A figure of speech in which sharply contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in a balanced or parallel phrase or grammatical structure - i.e. 'to err is human; to forgive - divine'






16. To make fun of






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






18. A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting






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






20. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






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






23. Vague - not easily defined






24. Language chosen by the writer






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






26. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






27. Something that is implied






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






29. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






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






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






33. Expressly stated






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






35. 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)






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






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






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






39. Further information about the subject (predicate must contain the verb)






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






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






42. One of many subordinating conjunctions






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






44. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






45. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






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






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






48. Refers to the way the writer lets readers know what will be discussed - a framing statement gives the reader some sense of what to expect






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






50. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation