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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 negative statement






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






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






4. 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






5. Vowel rhyme






6. Understatement created through double negative






7. The verb and its object and modifiers






8. Something that is implied






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






10. 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'






11. Can be verified






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






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






14. (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






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






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






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






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






19. Abab bcbc cdcd ee






20. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






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






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






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






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






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






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






27. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






28. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






30. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






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






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






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






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






35. A phrase that refers to a person or object by a single important feature - ie 'the pen is mightier than the sword'






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






37. To illustrate how a claim can be true in some ways and false in others






38. A comparison of two unlike things in order to show or more clearly or in a new way






39. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






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






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






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






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






45. One of many subordinating conjunctions






46. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






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






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






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