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






2. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






10. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






12. A negative statement






13. Not taking a position






14. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






15. To move off point






16. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






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






18. Consists of a single independent clause






19. Example - this white wine goes well with this fish






20. A phrase that refers to a person or object by single important feature of that person or object






21. The order of words in a sentence - also the types and structures of sentences






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






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






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






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






26. Quiet reflection upon a topic






27. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






28. 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






29. Opposing point of view






30. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






31. 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






32. The verb and its object and modifiers






33. 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






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






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






36. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






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






38. Vowel rhyme






39. 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'






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






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






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






43. The main character - usually the hero






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






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






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






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






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






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






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