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






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






3. Ideas or things that can mean many things to many people - such as peace - honor






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






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






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






7. Unconjugated verb with 'to' in front of it






8. The juxtaposition of incongruous or conflicting ideas that reveals a truth or insight






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






10. An indirect attack or insinuation






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






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






13. 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






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






15. A derogatory term used to described poorly written poetry of little or no literary value






16. Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence






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






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






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






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






21. Observable - measurable - easily perceived






22. 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






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






24. Short narrative of an amusing - unusual - revealing or interesting event






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






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






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






28. Repetition - at close intervals - of beginning sounds






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






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






31. One of many conjunctive adverbs






32. Consists of a single independent clause






33. Further information about the subject (predicate must contain the verb)






34. Abab cdcd efef gg






35. Expressly stated






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






37. Abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd






38. Vague - not easily defined






39. Combines a compound sentence with a complex sentence






40. An interpretation of the facts based on available details






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






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






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






44. Reasoning by which a general statement is reached on the basis of particular examples






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






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






47. List of details that reinforces a concept






48. The main character - usually the hero






49. Quiet reflection upon a topic






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