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






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






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






4. Used to introduce a long quotation - list






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






6. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






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






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






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






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






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






13. The claim or point that the writer is making






14. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






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






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






17. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






18. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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






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






21. List of details that reinforces a concept






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






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






24. Open - honest communication






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






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






27. Information distributed to promote a specific cause usually of a biased or misleading nature






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






29. Repetition of the same consonant two or more times in short succession






30. A speaker directly addresses something or someone not living - that cannot answer back






31. Understatement created through double negative






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






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






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






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






36. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






37. The verb and its object and modifiers






38. A concept or idea without a specific example; idealized generalizations






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






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






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






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






43. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






44. A type of poem that takes the form of a lament for the dead sung by a shepherd






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






46. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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






48. The main character - usually the hero






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






50. Another way to say the writer used an analogy