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






2. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






3. Referring to phrases that suggest an interplay of the senses - ie 'hot pink' or 'golden voice'






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






5. (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






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






7. Appearing in episodes - a long string of short individual scenes






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






9. Understatement created through double negative






10. An error of reasoning based on faulty use of evidence






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






12. Another way to say the writer used an analogy






13. Quality in literature that appeals to the audience's emotions






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






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






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






17. A group of words acting as a noun - i.e. 'Playing the guitar is extremely difficult'






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






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






20. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






22. To make fun of






23. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






24. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






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






26. One of many prepositions






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






28. An explanatory reference at the bottom of a page of text






29. Neoclassical principles of drama






30. A figure of speech in which two contradictory elements are combined for effect - i.e. 'random order'






31. One of many conjunctive adverbs






32. A saying or expression that proposes to tell the truth






33. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






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






36. Lines rhymed by their final two syllables - i.e. running and gunning






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






38. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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






40. An exaggeration or overstatement






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






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






43. Not taking a position






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






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






46. Can be verified






47. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






48. Vague - not easily defined






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






50. The main character - usually the hero