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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. Simplifying a complex problem into an either or dichotomy






2. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






3. An exaggeration or overstatement






4. An attack on an opposing view to weaken - invalidate - or make it less credible






5. To move off point






6. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






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






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






9. A negative statement






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






11. A type of literature that exposes idiocy - corruption - or other human folly - through humor - exaggeration - irony






12. Rarely used - the writer uses the pronoun 'you' making the reader an active participant in the work






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






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






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






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






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






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






19. To make fun of






20. The speaker or writer's credibility - honesty






21. Open - honest communication






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






23. A variety of literary devices i.e. - anaphora - repeating






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






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






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






27. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






28. Neoclassical principles of drama






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






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






31. 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






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






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






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






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






36. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






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






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






39. A metaphor using 'like' or 'as' in the comparison






40. One of many prepositions






41. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






43. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






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






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






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






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






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






49. The pause that breaks a line of Old English verse






50. Vague - not easily defined