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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. Vague - not easily defined






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






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






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






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






6. Expressly stated






7. A thing - idea - or person that stands for something else






8. 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'






9. 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






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






11. 'ed' form of a verb - 'Bettina played with the children'






12. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






13. Essay that presents information in order of specificity - beginning with a general theme and focuses on a specific topic of interest - often the 5 paragraph essay






14. List of details that reinforces a concept






15. The work is narrated by the person 'I' - who can also be the protagonist - omniscient speaker. There can be multiple narrators of the same work






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






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






18. The perspective from which a story is written






19. A narrative or description with a secondary or symbolic meaning underlying the literal meaning






20. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






21. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






23. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






24. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






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






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






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






28. 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






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






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






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






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






33. The claim or point that the writer is making






34. An exaggeration or overstatement






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






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






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






38. Consists of a single independent clause






39. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






40. The work is narrated using a name or third person pronoun ie - he - she - etc.






41. A figure of speech






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






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






44. The main character - usually the hero






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






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






47. Main idea of an essay - what the writer hope to prove is true






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






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






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