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






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






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






4. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






6. Knowledge based on experience or observation - the view that experience - especially of the senses - is the only source of knowledge






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






8. 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






9. 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






10. Vowel rhyme






11. The main character - usually the hero






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






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






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






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






16. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






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






18. Condemn by seeming to offer praise - ie 'well - I could not have done better myself'






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






20. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






22. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






24. One of many conjunctive adverbs






25. Essay that presents information about two or more things - events - or ideas in order to compare them






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






27. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






29. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






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






32. Abab cdcd efef gg






33. An exaggeration or overstatement






34. A figure of speech






35. The ordinary - everyday speech of a region






36. A negative statement






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






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






39. 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






40. An indirect attack or insinuation






41. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






42. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






43. (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






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






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






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






47. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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






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






50. One of many subordinating conjunctions