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






2. A negative statement






3. 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






4. The building housing lawmakers of a state or nation






5. Can be verified






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






7. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






8. Quiet reflection upon a topic






9. A figure of speech






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






11. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






12. Saying less than is warranted by the situation in order to emphasize reality






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






14. 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






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






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






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






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






19. Something that is implied






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






21. A work or poem written to celebrate a wedding






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






23. Refers to ascribing emotion and agency to inanimate objects






24. (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






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






26. 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






27. One of many conjunctive adverbs






28. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






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






31. Third person narrator sees and knows all without constraints of time - space. Can digress into contemplative or philosophical forays - often voicing the viewpoint of the author (mostly found in fiction)






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






33. The verb and its object and modifiers






34. Example based on supposition or uncertainty






35. Expressed of direct address - i.e. 'Sit - Bettina - sit!'






36. Innocence in perception - lack of worldly knowledge






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






38. Descriptive language to evoke the senses






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






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






41. An exaggeration or overstatement






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






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






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






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






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






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






48. Not taking a position






49. Essay that presents information about a problem followed by a description of one or more solutions






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