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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. Words whose sounds mimic their meaning - buzz - woof






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






3. Essay that presents information in order of importance - either most important to least important or vice versa






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






5. 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






6. Used to link two independent clauses of parallel connection






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






8. The main character - usually the hero






9. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






10. 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






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






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






13. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






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






15. An exception to a proposed general rule






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






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






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






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






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






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






22. The claim or point that the writer is making






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






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






25. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






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






28. Open - honest communication






29. An exaggeration or overstatement






30. The verb and its object and modifiers






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






32. The rhythm of phrases or sentences created through repetitive elements






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






34. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






35. Vowel rhyme






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






37. A kind or more gentle word to dilute the meaning in order to evade responsibility for a more disturbing word - i.e. 'passed on' instead of 'died'






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






39. ... - used to indicate omission of words or letters






40. List of details that reinforces a concept






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






42. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






43. Understatement created through double negative






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






45. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






46. 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'






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






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






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






50. Essay that presents information about the causes of some known or likely outcome - how different causes contribute to the outcome