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






2. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






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






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






5. To write around a subject - evasively - say nothing






6. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






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






8. The commentator does not mean what she writes






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






10. A rhyme ending on the final stressed syllable - i.e. know and snow






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






12. An exception to a proposed general rule






13. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






21. 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'






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






23. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






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






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






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






28. Language chosen by the writer






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






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






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






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






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






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






35. Example - I think that your sweater is lovely






36. A negative statement






37. One of many prepositions






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






39. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






40. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






41. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






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






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






44. Vague - not easily defined






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






46. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






48. The opposite of an idea used to emphasize a point






49. The perspective from which a story is written






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